STUDENT volunteers have been praised as part of this year's Student Volunteering week.

Barnado's, who are backing the week, have revealed 3,499 of its volunteers are aged 21 and under and many are students.

Among them is Dale Braganza Menezes, 22, a fourth year Chemical Engineering student at the University of Birmingham, who volunteers at the Barnardo's shop in Worcester when he is home during the holidays.

He believes that as well as supporting his local community, the experience will stand him in good stead for future interviews.

The week runs until Sunday, March 2 and highlights the valuable work of student volunteers.