A 20-YEAR-OLD man who works at Marks & Spencer in Watford has been presented with the Young Achiever of the Year in Hertfordshire.

Lunda Mbemba was presented with his award at the Prince's Trust ceremony last month, in recognition of his achievements.

Lunda moved from Zaire to London at the age of seven, with his older brother.

While growing up, he fell in with a bad crowd and during a particularly unsettled period, decided to escape to the YMCA in Watford in March last year.

While living there he was able, through the trust, to take advantage of a personal development programme that helps those who face difficulty in finding jobs.

As part of this, he managed to secure a place on the Marks and Start programme, which aims to open up employment opportunities to young people.

Lunda undertook two weeks work experience at the department store in June 2004, during which he worked in many different areas of the store.

Following the placement, he was offered a job as a store services advisor and was able to move out of the YMCA, rent his own flat and gain independence.

The award was presented at Sopwell House in St Albans.