A 23-year-old from Sherwood has found full-time paid work thanks to his time volunteering.

Steven Fretter had nine months of job rejections before he decided to try volunteering.

He signed up with vinvolved Nottingham, which is part of a national scheme to attract young people aged between 16 and 25 into volunteering.

After three months Steven has landed himself a job with Novas Scarman – a charity that works with disadvantaged individuals and communities.

Steven said the time he spent volunteering gave him valuable experience.

"When you've got little experience, looking for a job is tough," he said. "My view was that volunteering was boring and for older people.

"The opportunities are brilliant – all interesting and for young people."

Steven started to work on vscene, a youth volunteering magazine for young volunteers by young volunteers.

Anyone aged 16 to 25 who wants to volunteer with vinvolved Nottingham should call 0115 958 5089 or e-mail vinvolved@nottinghamcvs.co.uk.

The scheme is based at Central Library in Angel Row.