A teenager is being held up as a model example of how young people can get involved in their communities.
Adam Short, 19, of Durham City, is being used as a case study by the Department for Education and Skills to pave the way for youngsters to be given a greater say on its policies.
The former Tanfield Comprehensive School and New College student started helping in the community when he set up an art group for physically disabled children.
In 1998, he travelled to Colorado to see how voluntary work is part of the curriculum in US schools. He later became a Millennium Volunteer.
Mr Short became a national youth advocate for the Changemakers Foundation in September 2000, and has helped North-East youngsters to become active citizens through Community Champions projects
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