Prince puts trust in new ambassador

Vincent Jelinek wants to help other young people

A 22-year-old entrepreneur, who did not receive a formal education, has been made a Real Life Ambassador for London by the Prince's Trust.

Vincent Jelinek, from Hackney, east London, did not attend school because his parents were new age travellers, but at the age of 15 he persuaded an Oxfordshire college to take him on a BTEC design course.

After graduating he set up a design and furniture company with the support of the Prince's Trust.

The charity has nominated 12 people across the UK, who it has supported, to represent the trust and inspire others in their area.

'Encourage' people

Mr Jelinek, who has also set up a community based teaching workshop in Hackney, said: "The Prince's Trust were the only people who believed in me and I have a lot to thank them for.

"By being the Real Life Ambassador I hope to give something back and help other young people to believe in themselves."

On Tuesday, Mr Jelinek's new role will be made official as he meets the Prince of Wales, who founded the trust, at St James's Palace.