TEENAGERS took their mission of catching Pokemon to new heights today (August 10) by pairing their quest with tidying up Trowbridge Park.

As part of the National Citizen Service, around 30 youngsters aged 15-17 took part in the litter pick, collecting several bags of rubbish – all the while playing Pokemon Go on their way.

NCS is a month long programme for teenagers outside of term time which hopes to build on lifelong skills by taking part in challenges, meeting friends and putting on a community project.

Team leader Samantha Hayward said she is pleased to see the teenagers grow in confidence as they make their way through the programme, particularly at how they engaged with the public in the park.

She added: “I think because the NCS is about the community, putting on events like these brings people together. The litter pick was the idea of one of our participants and the whole thing was about bringing Pokemon Go, which is something that young people are interested in, with clearing up the town’s streets.

“NCS is a great thing to do and if I knew about it at that age, I would have done it.

“The programme doesn’t just teach social action but it also helped them with interview skills and writing their CV.”

While staying at Grittleton House during their time in NCS, the teenagers have managed to raise nearly £1,000 for charity which will be split between Larkrise Community Farm and CLIC Sargent.

16-year-old Jacob Gaunt, from Broughton Gifford, said he is thoroughly enjoying his time in the programme, particularly their adventure week away, which he initially found out about while at St Augustine’s College.

“NCS just seemed like an adventure that would be interesting,” he added. Now that I’ve taken part I would recommend it to anyone because it is a great opportunity and I have learned things that I will take away into life and I’ve made friends that I know I will keep in touch with.”

To take part in NCS in the next cohort, call 01225 701836 or visit www.ncswest.co.uk.