The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, is launching a new course for all secondary schools today.

The Young Leaders Award Course has been designed to help 14 to 16-year-old school students develop their leadership skills.

The two-year course comprises 10 modules looking at different aspects of leadership, such as developing vision, working effectively with others, decision-making and public speaking.

The students will be challenged to focus their leadership skills on serving others as they take part in additional practical projects involving community action.

The course is being launched at the Archbishop's official residence, Bishopthorpe Palace, along with 23 students from the nearby Manor Church of England school who will be taking part in the course over the next two years.

Dr Sentamu said: “Today is the start of something very exciting for the students from Manor.

"The Young Leaders Award will equip this group with confidence and leadership skills to bring about the good they want to see in their communities.

"I pray that these students will make an amazing difference to the City of York.”

Dan Finn, Young Leaders Coordinator for the Youth Trust said: “It’s great to be piloting this with Manor, and to be partnered with them in delivering this course.

"These 23 students, and the 300 plus students taking the course at Key Stage 3 for Years 7 and 8, will have the opportunity to bring about real change in their community.

"That’s our aim. We’re building good community links and developing creative opportunities for these young people to be the change they want to see.”