A NORTH-EAST MP has called on young people in his constituency to "switch on" to charitable and community activities.

John Cummings, who represents Easington, has urged all 11 to 16-year-olds in east Durham to get involved in the UK-wide Giving Nation campaign.

He said: "Our secondary school pupils already do a great deal to support good causes by volunteering their time and putting their efforts into creative and energetic fundraising.''

Encouraging them to play an even greater role, he urged youngsters to take part in the new Giving Nation initiative aimed at motivating young people to make a difference.

"I want to see all our schools involved because young people need to realise that they can make a difference, which will be good for them and good for our community."

Giving Nation has been designed to support the good citizenship curriculum for 11 to 16-year-olds and is being funded jointly by the Department for Education and Skills and the Home Office Active Communities Unit.

It aims to help secondary school pupils understand the power of giving and the importance of charities in shaping a fair and inclusive world.

The project hopes to promote student initiative, participation and choice.

To assist pupils to take part, Giving Nation is offering a free resource pack to teachers along with a lively, interactive website -www.g-nation.co.uk -for the use of staff and students.

Giving Nation is also hoping that schools will participate in the annual Giving Week.

It will be staged from June 26 to July 2 to celebrate the charitable activities of pupils over the year.

Schools can order their Giving Nation pack by calling (0207) 401 4070.