Even though he is still a teenager, Matthew Todd has many hours of volunteering behind him. During National Volunteers Week, he told The Northern Echo how helping others has enriched his life.

A RECENT survey by the Samaritans showed that young people in the North-East are the least likely in the UK to volunteer to help their communities, despite having the most free time.

Young volunteer Matthew Todd, 17, who has won the title Deputy National Cadet of the Year 2007 with the St John Ambulance, explains why they don't know what they are missing.

He said: "I really enjoy volunteering with the St John Ambulance, not least because it has given me the chance to do lots of things I otherwise wouldn't have. This year, as Deputy National Cadet of the Year, I was invited to a reception at Buckingham Palace and, alongside the National Cadet of the Year, I met Princess Anne and introduced her to all the cadets and dignitaries at the event.

"Some of my mates joke and say I am a bit sad for volunteering and spending the time I do on it, but I make plenty of time for having a social life outside of volunteering as well. Most of them think it's pretty cool because there are such a lot of activities on offer and some of them have joined themselves.

"Overseen by a County Staff Officer, I now run the Willington, Tow Law and District Quadrilateral Division, which has 11 adult members and 13 cadets.

"People are often impressed how the adults respond to my running the division, but we all work well together and it is good experience.

"I am now at St John's Sixth Form, in Bishop Auckland, doing my A-levels in psychology and health and social care. I hope to go on to university and study for a career in human resource management. I hope that all the work I have done as a volunteer will show my management experience when it comes to getting a job.

"But most of all, volunteering is fun with lots of interesting activities and I would encourage anyone to give it a go. I think they would be surprised how much they would enjoy it."