A young man from Dartford who "felt like no one would ever like me" has changed his life with the help of Princes Trust.

John Sterry, 20, was locked in a classroom, stolen from and called names by bullies at his secondary school.

With support from The Prince’s Trust, he is now an ‘outstanding’ young ambassador for the charity, and has a job with its national finance team.

Mr Sterry said: “I had no friends at all and was completely on my own.

“By Year 11 my confidence had hit the floor and my studies became affected.

“I couldn’t even get on a bus or a train because I couldn’t face other people.

“I had a supportive family but I felt alone and worthless and I was so unhappy with my life.

“I was told I wouldn’t amount to anything and after a while, you start to believe it.”

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Mr Steery with fellow finance team members Emineraleta Smart (centre) and Lidija Kezunovic (right)

After finishing Year 12, Mr Sterry’s experiences left him unable to pursue further education - he was unemployed and stuck indoors for six months.

He added: “I didn’t know how to make friends, I felt like no one would ever like me.”

Mr Sterry’s life changed when he joined the Prince’s Trust Team programme, a 12-week Barclays-sponsored personal development course has helped over 187,000 young people – and is celebrating its 25th anniversary this July.

He said: “At first I was reserved because I thought they’d laugh at me and pick on me.

“I stood up and introduced myself and no one said anything or laughed at me.

“I felt such relief. We gelled really well as a team.

“My confidence had improved so much, because no one judged me and I got on with everyone.

“For once I felt like I could be myself.

“I found out I wasn’t just accepted, but I was liked too.”

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Mr Sterry was offered work experience through the programme, and became an apprentice admin assistant, before progressing to a charity finance assistant.

He said: “I do a lot of speeches in my ambassador role and have even spoken at Parliament.

“Working with the finance team I now know that for every bit of money we receive, it can help change a young person’s life.”

Head of UK community investment at Barclays Kathleen Britain said:  “We’re celebrating the anniversary of the Team programme and the inspiring young people who have taken part in it over the last 25 years.

“Together, we are enabling young people across the UK to gain employment, become financially independent and ultimately contribute to growth in the local economy.”

The Prince’s Trust helps disadvantaged young people gain the necessary skills and confidence to find work.

Three out of four young people helped by the charity move into work, further education or training.