THEY may not be superheroes in real life, but these six youngsters made a heroic effort to make themselves super people.

Dan Parsons, Adam Jones, Scott Harper-Ashton, Frazer Hilborne, Dale Davis-Hawkins and Will Hoskins all joined the National Citizenship Service programme to boost their confidence and job prospects.

On Sunday, their journey came to a head with a 14-mile sponsored cycle from Abingdon to Oxford and back, in fancy dress and have so far raised £510 for Help for Heroes.

Will Hoskins, 16, from Grove, near Wantage said: “I just thought I usually don’t do very much and it would build my confidence and make me feel better about myself.

“I usually get quite worried about things but I feel much more confident about things now, and I really enjoyed it.”

The Abingdon & Witney College student said: “The bike ride was really hard because I don’t usually get out much, and people kept saying ‘do you want to quit?’“But I stuck with it and I raised money for charity which I am happy about.”

As part of their National Citizenship Service, the six youngsters also went on a residential trip to Wales and put on a fundraising fete at the Abingdon Net youth centre.

Project co-ordinator for Abingdon Gareth Berry said: “By the time they have finished, they have improved their confidence and made new friends, which will also help with college applications.”