BORED youngsters can get involved in Changing Rooms and Groundforce-style projects throughout the summer holidays, as part of a scheme run by York Millennium Volunteers.

School leavers and university students can help out with creating a wildlife garden, revamping a charity shop or increasing the number of visitors to the National Railway Museum.

The projects are open to youngsters aged 16 to 24, who will be asked to give 100 hours of their time throughout July.

Budding Alan Titchmarshs can help out with landscaping and installing seating to create a wildlife garden for adults with learning difficulties. Carol Smillie wannabees can help give a charity shop a makeover by redesigning the interior and frontage and help to create more storage space. Others can work at the National Railway Museum by researching exhibits and create materials.

A spokesperson for the group said: "A York Millennium Volunteer has much to gain as well as much to give. Working in an unfamiliar environment tests young people's flexibility and allows them to gain new skills and experience. Through a process of planning and review, York Millennium Volunteers encourages each person to see their volunteering as a valuable means of personal development."

The teams are helped throughout the project by representatives from Millennium Volunteers and local experts. They are given team-building training and a substantial budget to transform their ideas into reality.

This year's volunteers will have high standards to live up to. Previous volunteers' achievements have included the creation of a sensory garden for the blind and redecorating a youth club room.

Those taking part who give either 100 or 200 hours will receive the national Millennium Volunteers award which earlier this year were presented by Richard Whiteley at the Theatre Royal in York.

Places are still available on the scheme. For information phone 01904 432498 or email

milvol@york.ac.uk

Updated: 10:54 Saturday, June 07, 2003