The National Citizen Service (NCS) is set to treble in size by 2014 to help almost 100,000 youngsters gain valuable life experience, after receiving independent backing.

Analysis published by a consortium led by NatCen Social Research on 17 May, suggests that for every £1 spent on the voluntary programme – set up by prime minister David Cameron – up to £2 is returned to the communities and young people who took part.