A CHARITY founded by Prince Charles is to help a troubled teenager from Knutsford.

Over the next 12 weeks The Prince's Trust will work with Ross Brookes who was labelled a hooded yob by the national media last month after being photographed brandishing a plastic gun in Knutsford.

"I think it will be really good for him, like it is for everyone who takes part," said Abi Heyes, assistant project manager at the Prince's Trust in Macclesfield, who met Ross last week.

On Friday Ross, 17, said he was looking forward to taking his first steps towards a brighter future.

"I'm looking forward to actually doing something rather than sitting around at home," he said.

The teenager, who lives on the Longridge estate, was also hoping it might help him to get a job.

"I want to work to earn my own money because at the moment I just get money off my mum and dad and it doesn't feel right," he said.

The Prince's Trust, which was founded by Prince Charles almost 30 years ago to help young people overcome difficulties, will teach Ross teamwork and leadership skills and help to develop his self-confidence.

He also hopes to get a GNVQ in first aid, complete his Duke of Edinburgh gold award and do a week's work experience.

The Prince's Trust focuses on young people who are unemployed, those who have struggled at school, been in care or broken the law.

Last year during a speech at a young enterprise awards ceremony, Prince Charles explained why he had founded the Trust. "All I ever wanted to do with my Trust was to make an investment in the future so that young people could realise their full potential for themselves, for their communities and for the nation," he said.

Two weeks ago Ross apologised to the people of Knutsford after his photograph appeared on television and in national newspapers.

He was later fined £80 by Knutsford Police for disorderly behaviour. Over the next 12 weeks Ross will canoe in the Lake District, complete a community project and raise money for a trip for the disabled that he will also help to organise.