THE young of Okehampton are set to benefit from a scheme set in motion by town mayor Councillor Len Hayward.

A chat during a visit to St James Palace to witness the award ceremony for the Prince's Trust late last year led to Mr Hayward discussing the possibilities of securing the Prince's Trust Volunteers for the town.

Okehampton Town Council has been pro-active in achieving this — and it is hopeful such a venture will be of great benefit to young people aged between 16 and 25 both in the town and surrounding district.

'I'm extremely pleased. Anything that brings Okehampton into a good light is a good thing for the town,' said Mr Hayward.

'The initiative by Okehampton Town Council is in accordance with local government policies in finding ways to help the young and unemployed. It mirrors the legislation that comes into force in April 1999,' he said.

The Prince's Trust Volunteers consists of 12-week personal development programmes that get a team of youngsters together — often unemployed and from different backgrounds — to build skills and learn to overcome problems through team work in the community.

Mr Hayward said: 'The idea is to get young people off the street where they have nothing to do. The Prince's Trust Volunteers is a way to put some direction into their lives.

'The organisation help ascertain what they are lacking to make any success in life and then try to provide it.'

Mr Hayward said part of the problem was often a perception by the youths that no one was bothered with them so there was no point trying.

'The PTV is trying to encourage a spirit of initiative. The course will be partly educational, inspirational and finding a way through life.'

The teams pick a community project that needs doing which benefits everybody.

Two out of three youngsters that take part end up in employment, further education or training as a result of the increased confidence and motivation the course gives them.

Peter Cudmore, south west area manager for the PTV said: 'We welcome the initiative from the mayor and the town council and look forward to providing the PTV project for the young people of Okehampton in the future.'