Stephen Timms, Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Member of Parliament for East Ham was present to see HRH Prince Charles launch Youth Week at Beckton Community Centre on the day of his sixtieth birthday. Youth Week, a campaign organised by the Prince’s Trust, seeks to highlight the positive difference young people make to society.

The launch was attended by members of Newham Council, local community workers and by youngsters who have had their lives transformed through the work of the Princes Trust. Speaking at the launch, HRH Prince Charles said “There is no greater reward or satisfaction than to see people’s lives transformed and turned around, particularly young offenders and others who having been through a programme that we’re able to provide for them. They can go on to be team leaders and inspire others.”

Earlier Mr Timms and HRH Prince Charles were shown around the Stroud Pavilion in Beckton where young people were taking part in a 12-week Teamwork course. With help from the Prince’s Trust, local volunteers had reclaimed a disused bowling green and redecorated the building so it can be used by the local community.

As part of the week long campaign, Mr Timms was shadowed for the day by a young volunteer from The Trust. This allowed Mr Timms to share his experiences of being an MP. In all, over 50 MPs across the UK are being shadowed during their constituency visits by young volunteers who have been involved with The Prince's Trust.

Speaking after the event Mr Timms said “I am glad that East Ham has had the chance to welcome HRH Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall. Furthermore, I wish to congratulate all those involved with The Prince’s Trust. The organisation has done some fantastic work in and around our community, turning around the lives of youngsters for the better. I lend my full support to Youth Week and hope that it can help demonstrate the vast benefits that young people contribute to society.”