A NATURE lover is encouraging young people to try volunteer work.

Rebecca Stanley, from Middlesbrough, is working for Tees Valley Wildlife Trust after gaining a degree in environment and development at Durham University in 2003.

She spent six months working on a placement with the trust, in 1999, as part of the New Deal for Young People programme.

As an environmental taskforce trainee, she helped build bridges and dig ponds, inspiring her to study conservation at Durham University.

She now works as a youth officer, with small groups of 16 to 25-year-olds, on nature reserves near the River Tees in Stockton, helping them gain practical skills which the charity then recognises by presenting them with certificates of achievement.

Miss Stanley says she would encourage more young people to volunteer.

She said: "It's fantastic that I can now use my personal experiences to help others in a similar situation.

"I'd really encourage young people to try volunteering if they're unemployed - it helps give you an idea of the different types of work out there and you can use your skills and talents in a different way for the benefit of your community.

"I found my time on placement very rewarding. I was able to make a difference to the area I lived in, while gaining skills and experience that helped me at university and getting a job once I graduated."