A BRADFORD teenager has earned himself a place working for the Royal Household after a year of community work, which he has described as his “true calling”.

Callum Keating, 19, from Manningham, completed a year-long National Ambassador programme with Clarion Futures, the charitable foundation of Clarion Housing Group.

Mr Keating, who is a Clarion Housing resident himself, graduated from the programme last month, and has earned a place on the mentoring programme of the Royal Household.

On the programme, Mr Keating will work in partnership with staff at the Royal Household, where he will gain experience in hospitality, business administration, IT and visitor services, and also gain general support and guidance on career management.

The Royal Household works for the Royal Family in a wide range of roles, from finance and IT to engineers and chefs.

On the Clarion ambassador programme, which aims to engage young social housing residents, Mr Keating was offered learning and development opportunities, giving him a say of services the social housing group provides and getting him involved in social action projects.

Over the past 12 months, he was involved in projects such as mentoring young people by organising activities, and also preparing meals for the elderly.

He also picked up a number of awards for his work, including on the Clarion Futures Youth Sports programme, which provides sporting opportunities to young people in Bradford.

Mr Keating said: “Being a national ambassador has been so rewarding and has made me see that making a difference in the community is what I want to do with my life.

“Not only am I taking my life in a positive direction, I’m also helping others to do the same.

“I’m now looking forward to taking up my next challenge with the Royal Household mentoring programme and seeing where it takes me.”

Sarah Mitton, youth engagement manager at Clarion Futures, added: “Callum is an incredible young man who is passionate about helping those less fortunate than himself, and I know he’ll go on to make a real difference to his local community in Bradford.”

The National Ambassador programme is part of a ten year project worth £150 million run by Clarion Futures.