A young man who was bullied so badly he could not face leaving his home has been employed by the charity that helped him rebuild his confidence.

John Sterry, 20, of Dartford, says he was tormented throughout his time at secondary school, leading him to leave full-time education.

He became completely isolated and shunned using public transport in case he saw someone he recognised.

But the 20-year-old began to turn his life around when a leaflet from The Prince’s Trust dropped through his letterbox.

After he attended a taster day, he slowly started to regain his confidence which led him to secure work as a finance assistant with the youth charity.

He also serves as an ambassador and has spoken in Parliament about the importance of the charity in helping young people like him.

John said: "I didn’t know how to make friends, I felt like no one would ever like me. After a while I was bored of being at home.

"I received a leaflet through the post, advertising The Prince’s Trust Team programme, so I went along to a taster day and decided to sign up.

"I met the other young people on the course and at first I was reserved because I thought they’d laugh at me and pick on me. I stood up and introduced myself and no one said anything or laughed at me.

"My confidence had improved so much, because no one judged me and I got on with everyone.

"For once I felt like I could be myself. I found out I wasn’t just accepted, but I was liked too."

John says his problems began just weeks after he joined secondary school, the start of many painful memories.

He added: "I had no friends at all and was completely on my own.

"I was never invited to anything. By Year 9 I couldn’t even put my hand up in class; I was permanently nervous and my face would go bright red."

He claims he had things stolen and was locked in a classroom by another pupil.

He said: "By Year 11 my confidence had hit the floor and my studies became affected.

"I couldn’t even get on a bus or a train because I couldn’t face other people. I had a supportive family but I felt alone and worthless and I was so unhappy with my life."

The Prince’s Trust helps disadvantaged young people gain skills and confidence to find work. For information visit www.princes-trust.org.uk