Friday night TV is something to look out for this week.

Bede Sixth Form student Lilly might just be spotted helping do her bit for a good cause.

The 16-year-old is a volunteer with Stockton Borough Council’s Bright Minds Big Futures (BMBF).

And, as part of their work, the youth team has been lending a hand at one of Cultivate Tees Valley’s  outdoor projects, where this month the Blue Peter team paid a visit as part of their Comic Relief coverage.

More than happy to roll up her sleeves, Lilly explained: “I have been volunteering with BMBF for the last three years.”

Their aim is to help make the borough a great place to grow up.

The work with Cultivate is just one of many events and activities they play an active part in, it sees the team getting their hands dirty with plans to create a mental health garden and a space to grow vegetables for food banks.

Cultivate Tees Valley works with partner organisations across the Tees Valley to transform unused urban and rural land into spaces where food is grown.

With funding from Comic Relief, Blue Peter was keen to come along and hear more about the projects, so the teams pitched in at Arlington Park, a safe growing space for local children, young people and families run by the Cornerhouse Youth Project.

“It was amazing, I was so excited,” said Lilly, who is in her first year at Bede. “I got to speak to the presenter, Lindsey Russell, she was so lovely and down to earth.”

No stranger to giving her time to help others through her work with BMBF, Lilly explained: “I used to be quite anxious so it was something my dad suggested to help get me out of my comfort zone.”

Managed by an elected panel, she is now part of the Big Committee as head of communications and engagement.

The role sees her helping spread the word about their work to young audiences. What better coverage than a mention on BBC’s Blue Peter?  They even got their own Blue Peter badges.

Studying A level English Literature, Media and History, Lilly said the role has inspired her to pursue a career in journalism and it is clear she is well on her way.

Want to know more about Bright Minds Big Futures or their work, follow them on Instagram @_bmbf or search for Bright Minds Big Futures on Facebook.