AN “UNSTOPPABLE” 17-year-old is set to star in a national advertising campaign to boost the confidence of teenagers across the country.

Last summer, Noorulain Zafar took part in a four-week National Citizen Service (NCS) programme designed to help 16 and 17-year-olds to develop skills, make friends and give back to their communities.

Less than a year after completing the part-residential scheme, the student, from Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, was invited to take part in a filming for an NCS advert ahead of the next intake of youngsters.

Noorulain stars in a section of the film while starting a fire in Northumberland – linking to the outdoor adventure element of NCS programmes.

The 17-year-old, who studies at Egglescliffe School, said: “It was such a surreal experience taking part in the filming, completely unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.

“The whole experience of having a film crew there for the scene and all eyes on you was exciting and a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“The directors and crew were so friendly and funny so it made the whole day so much fun.

“Seeing myself on the advert was such a strange feeling.

“I really loved seeing myself star in something that will help more people do NCS.”

More than 400,000 youths have taken part in the Government-backed programme since its launch in 2011.

The four-week scheme sees teenagers spend a week enjoying outdoor activities before spending a further week in a university-style environment developing their confidence and communication skills to boost CVs or UCAS personal statements.

Noorulain added: “NCS has given me the confidence to pursue my passions.

“It has helped me realise where I want to get to in life, boost my confidence and allowed me to be completely unapologetic in who I am.

“For anyone thinking about doing NCS next summer, I would say definitely do it – it’s the perfect way to unwind after a stressful GCSE year.”

The ad will feature on video on-demand channels until April, as well as on YouTube.

  • To reserve a place for this year’s NCS programme, visit ncsnortheast.co.uk or call 0191-2474020.