IT was a ceremony to remember for hundreds of teenagers as their graduation was staged last night.

Almost 400 young people from across the county gathered at Southampton Guildhall for the ceremony that marked the completion of the National Citizen Service (NCS) this summer.

The Government-funded fourweek 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.

Last night those efforts were applauded by family and friends, who watched as the graduates took their turn on stage to be presented with their certificates as highlights of their projects were played on a big screen.

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 life-changing.

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

“They have learned 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.” Last night’s scenes will be repeated tonight as the second half of this summer’s cohort receive their certificates. In all, 772 teenagers completed the course in Hampshire.

National Citizen Service: what is it?

THE Government-funded scheme is aimed at all 16 and 17-year-olds to improve their life skills and encourage them to contribute and engage in social projects.

The project costs £50, of which £25 is refunded at the completion of the course.

It is broken up into four weeks, which includes a residential camping trip. This summer’s intake visited Croyde and Falmouth.

They then spent the next week learning new skills, including media, cookery and sports coaching, which involved projects like volunteering at homeless shelters and compiling news reports.

The last two weeks were centred around planning and delivering social projects, which included supporting local charities through volunteer work and sponsored events.