Teenagers from around the country will challenge MPs to understand the benefits – and problems – of young volunteers at a select committee event held in London.

Six young members of the British Youth Council (BYC) will explain how volunteering can bring communities together and improve career prospects in an event which launches youth and children month as part of the year of the volunteer.

Government Response: Treasury

Gordon Brown, chancellor of the exchequer, said: "I believe we have a goodwill mountain just waiting to be tapped. Building upon the current engagement of young people - three million each year in voluntary work - we find that a majority of young people aged 15 to 24 - 59 per cent - want to know more about how to get involved in their communities.