Jess Glynne and Greg James pay surprise visit to National Citizen Service volunteers in Haggerston

Teenagers on a summer volunteering programme were treated to a surprise visit from Grammy Award winning musician Jess Glynne and BBC Radio 1 presenter Greg James.

National Citizen Service's music ambassadorJess Glynne and BBC Radio 1 presenter, Greg James visit NCS participants at Haggerston School (Photo: BennyJ) - Credit: BennyJ

The 16 and 17-year-olds are on the National Citizen Service (NCS) programme, for which the ‘I Cry When I Laugh’ singer is an Ambassador.

The government-backed NCS two or three week full-time programme includes 30-hours of voluntary work for a community project which benefits young people and society, and enables participants to build work and life skills.

Speaking at the visit at Haggerston School, Jess said: I had moments when I was growing up which made me doubt whether I could achieve what I wanted.

“A programme like NCS helps young people see more of what the world is about and it encourages them to hold their heads high and achieve their goals.”

National Citizen Service's music ambassadorJess Glynne and BBC Radio 1 presenter, Greg James visit NCS participants at Haggerston School (Photo: BennyJ) - Credit: BennyJ

NCS spokesman Jack Mercer said: “It was great to have Jess and Greg visiting NCS this week to show their support – the young people were really surprised and it clearly meant a lot that they had taken the time to attend and offer some insight to their successful careers.

“Teens are influenced by aspirational people and Jess’s and Greg’s enthusiasm is just what we need to remind people what NCS is all about and the positive impact it can have on the teenagers who take part.”