FOR SOME they have found talents they never knew they had, while others have discovered a new sense of confidence.

Last night hundreds of teenagers from across the county who have learnt new skills and raised thousands of pounds for charity gathered to celebrate their success.

Southampton Guildhall was once again the venue where almost 400 young people gathered for a ceremony to mark the completion of their National Citizen Service (NCS) this summer.

In all, 772 teenagers completed the course in Hampshire and last night the second wave of graduates took their turn on the stage, in front of their friends and family, to be presented with their certificates as highlights of their projects were played on a big screen.

The Government-funded, four-week scheme includes a residential trip where youngsters take part in a series of activities that are designed to improve teamwork skills and self-confidence before they are split into groups to plan and deliver social projects that benefit their local communities.

As a result of the efforts of the hundreds of teenagers who completed the scheme in Hampshire more than £45,000 was raised for charities in the county.

Ellie Probert, spokesman for NCS Hants, based in Romsey, praised the class of summer 2014.

She said: “For some of these young people this was lifechanging.

“Some of them started the scheme very shy and lacking in self-esteem but they have left us full of confidence.

“They have learnt new skills and found talents they never knew they had and have raised an amazing amount for charity as part of their social projects.

“Tonight is about celebrating that.”