An aspiring broadcast journalist of Clayhall has an action packed summer holiday ahead of him thanks to the government’s National Citizen Service Programme.

Syed Mahatir Pasha, 17, a sixth-form student at Ilford County High School, Fremantle Road, Barkingside, will embark on a series of physical and team challenges and social action projects when he takes on The Challenge.

The programme will see Mahatir spend four days in Wales on outdoor pursuits designed to develop personal, leadership and team building skills.

Mahatir will then move on to Middlesex University where he will work with industry professionals to develop skills in drama, enterprise, media, photography or sport.

Finally, Mahatir will test out his new found skills by designing a project to benefit his local community.

The Challenge ends with a graduation ceremony where participants will receive feedback on what they have learned and achieved.

Mahatir, who dreams of becoming a political editor for a major news organisation, already has a string of achievements behind him.

Alongside creating numerous video documentaries, he hosted the TV quiz show Clever Clogs on Channel 9.

“I am fortunate to have already had some great presenting and reporting experiences, and I aim to keep the momentum going so I can achieve success,” said Mahatir.

He credits taking part in the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challege – a speaking competition – with enabling him to present in a confident and coherent manner.

He won the Redbridge regional finals of Speak Out in 2011.

Visit Mahatir’s blog: www.mahatirpasha.blogspot.co.uk