AS a teenager, he worked to raise the profile of young people in Bolton and have the positive contribution they make to society recognised.

Now Saeed Atcha is helping to lead a Prince of Wales backed initiative to encourage more young people to Step Up to Serve. #iwill campaign.

Step Up To Serve was founded after Prince Charles launched a campaign to increase the number of 10-20-year-olds playing a part in their communities and to celebrate the difference young people make to their local communities.

Saeed, aged 20, has been appointed a trustee of the organisation to take it forward.

The university student is former The Bolton News and Bury Times Young Person of the Year, became an ambassador for the campaign after being recognised for his work in Bolton through setting up Xplode Magazine.

The magazine was set up when he was a pupil at Ladybridge High School. It was established because he felt that young people were seen far too negatively by adults.

Now the magazine is a registered charity empowering thousands of young people to be the best they can be through giving them the opportunity to develop and increasing their employability chances through multi-media.

Saeed, who lives in Hulton, said: "I'm absolutely thrilled that I’ve been chosen to fly the flag for young people.

"More than ever before, we’re ready to take on an active part in improving our communities and it really motivates me that a charity at the heart of creating opportunities for young people has young people on its board.

"I can’t wait to get stuck in."

He has now gone from promoting the charity locally to working with Westminster to develop a national 12 months strategy to get 60 per cent of young people involved in social action projects by 2020.

Already Saeed,who met the Patron Prince Charles at an anniversary dinner in London last year, is looking at setting up a national fund, with other trustees, to open up more opportunities for young people throughout the country.

He said: "I am often in London which I enjoy and working with the department for education and others fills me with confidence that they want to listen to young people and take into account their their views."

Charlotte Hill, CEO Step Up To Serve and the #iwill campaign said: "As a campaign that is seeking to engage more young people in social action it is vital that we involve them in all parts of our work. "We are delighted to welcome Saeed and two other young trustees to our board.

"Their input will be vital as we seek to grow the opportunities for young people to lead positive activity in their communities. Saeed already has great expertise and will be a real asset to the #iwill campaign."

To find out more about the campaign visit http://www.iwill.org.uk/about-us/step-up-to-serve/