A YOUNG volunteer has been rewarded for his efforts after clocking up 200 hours in a charity shop.

Harry Lindley achieved the milestone in only nine months - compared to the year many people take.

The 19-year-old, from Newby Wiske, is a familiar sight at the Northallerton branch of Help the Aged where he serves on the till and stocks shelves.

He is part of the Government-backed Millennium Volunteers (MV) scheme which gives people aged 16 to 25 opportunities to help in their local community.

Mr Lindley, who has now received a certificate from the scheme, said: "It has really built up my confidence.

"I have met a lot of customers and other people and they always take time to speak to me.

"I am very proud to get this award and even though I have reached this goal, I am going to continue volunteering here in the future."

Help the Aged field operations manager Lena Russell said: "Harry's help really has been invaluable and he gets on very well with staff and customers."

Millennium Volunteers coordinator Dawn Carter said: "It is a remarkable achievement to complete the 200 hours, more so because Harry has support needs.

"He has been absolutely committed and turns up for work come rain or shine.

"He has developed skills which he will be able to use elsewhere, which is the aim of the MV scheme."

Anyone interested is asked to contact the Millennium Volunteers on 01609-780458 or by email to volunteer.centre@ndvsa.co.uk