David Cameron launches national citizen service scheme

David Cameron launched plans today for a National Citizen Service to give young people the opportunity to take part in community work and provide a "rite of passage" into adulthood.

Speaking at the Conservatives' first major press conference of the General Election campaign, Mr Cameron described the offer of two-month summer social action activities such as looking after the elderly as a cure for the "national scandal of all this wasted promise".

He was joined on stage by Oscar-winning actor Sir Michael Caine in an attempt to bring a touch of Hollywood glamour to the Tory campaign.

Sir Michael, who grew up in a poor area of south London, gave his backing to the National Citizen Service scheme, saying it would be nothing like the military national service he did as a young man.

He said the scheme would provide an opportunity to "save young people and give them a chance in society".