Teenagers are using music to forge new links with adults with learning disabilities.

During their summer National Citizen Service (NCS) experience they have joined forces to work with local music makers.

They are supporting The Heathlands Project, a charity which helps adults with learning disabilities learn new skills.

The 15 to 17-year-old volunteers are working with BlueJam Arts this week delivering sessions at the charity's base, just north of Carlisle, as part of their final week of the NCS scheme.

They are getting involved in various activities offered at Heathlands, including making music with a traditional Indonesian percussion orchestra called a Gamelan.

Mike Bargia, service manager at The Heathlands Project said: "Heathlands is a place for people to come and be part of a vibrant community by learning, making friends, supporting each other and finding a sense of belonging."

Vicky Lowney, the group’s NCS leader, said: "It’s great to see young people who are motivated and committed enough to give up their summer and help their community."

NCS is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity open to 16-17 year olds.

Over three weeks teenagers take part in a range of activities to help broaden their horizons and develop their confidence and other skills and talents.

They take part in an outdoor adventure week, live together and learn more about their local area, and spend a third week planning and executing a 30-hour social action project to benefit a good cause of their choosing.

NCS is delivered locally by personal development and career guidance organisation Inspira.

Inspira is an associate sponsor of the 2017 Golden Apple Awards organised by CN Group, publisher of the News & Star.