A Hitchin headteacher has given his support to a scheme which encourages teenagers to make the most of school holidays in order to get a head start in the new term and beyond.

Geraint Edwards, head of The Priory School in Bedford Road, is encouraging youngsters to try a two or three-week scheme called the National Citizen Service, which develops skills for work and life.

The project aims to encourage pupils to have a more positive attitude towards schoolwork and life in general, and can help them become more focused than their peers upon returning to school.

Mr Edwards said: “Students should use the summer to let off some steam and have fun in order to be fully prepared and refreshed for the year ahead.

“However, it doesn’t mean their development needs to stall. I’d urge teens to put their phones down and use their freedom to harness the opportunity the summer brings through experiences like NCS.”

The NCS summer programme is open now, visit www.ncseast.co.uk to sign up.