Boot camp success for youngsters

The army training sessions have been a big hit with young people

A project where young people take part in Army-style training sessions is being pioneered by South Lanarkshire Council.

The 'R U Up 4 IT?' initiative is being run in partnership with the local Army careers office.

Disengaged young people, aged between 17 and 24, have been improving their levels of fitness and taking part in team-building skills.

The scheme is now likely to be rolled out across other local authorities.

South Lanarkshire is the first council to introduce this type of project in partnership with the Army.

The initiative began in June this year with just 15 participants and now has 50 young people taking part.

I have been here for several months and great things are happening Colin Campbell R U Up 4 IT? participant

Cllr Gerry Convery, chair of South Lanarkshire Leisure Ltd, said: "The project, funded by The Big Lottery Fund, is a fantastic project for young people bringing them together to improve both their physical fitness and how they work and communicate with others."

Instructor Sgt Calum McLeod said: "It is great to see the progress made, week in week out, by those on R U Up 4 It?

"In the relatively short space of time that the programme has been running there have been some real success stories with many individual goals achieved.

"The best advocates for the programme are those that take part in it."

Participant Colin Campbell, from Carnwath, said: "It's really good. I have met lots of new people and friends.

"I have been here for several months and great things are happening."