A local teenager who spent three months in Guatemala helping children out of gangs and back into school is encouraging others to get out there and volunteer their time.

19 year-old Amber Dalchow, who attends Ricards Lodge High School in Wimbledon, raised more than £700 for her volunteering trip with Y Care International, the development and relief agency of the YMCA in the UK and Ireland.

She encouraged friends and family to sponsor her and completed a 30 hour famine.

Y Care International work with YMCAs, and other youth organisations around the world, to help disadvantaged and vulnerable young people enrich their lives and to inspire young people in the uk and overseas to become active citizens.

She spent the three months in the central American country, returning on June 15, teaching vulnerable children sports, such as football, in the hopes of improving their team-building skills and inspiring them to move away from gang life, which is rife in the country.

Miss Dalchow, who lives in Tooting, said: "The trip has made me realise I’m really lucky to have what I have at home."

"The first month of the trip was hard but then I got into a routine and it’s amazing to see most kids are on a better path now and back in school."

"I definitely recommend other teenagers go out there and volunteer, I would love to go back again."