Bradford College boss Michele Sutton was invited to a royal reception at Buckingham Palace in recognition of her support for a new youth charity.

Mrs Sutton, Bradford College group chief executive who is also president of the Association of Colleges, met the Prince of Wales following her support of the new Step Up To Serve campaign, which encourages young people to get involved with helping others.

It aims to expand existing opportunities for young people, encourage new ones and help overcome the barriers that stop young people getting involved in volunteering.

Mrs Sutton, has been actively campaigning to raise awareness of the campaign which has also been backed by The Prince of Wales; the Prime Minister David Cameron; Deputy Prime Minister Nick and leader of the Opposition Ed Miliband.

Fifty young social action ambassadors from around the UK also attended the royal reception in recognition of their community work .

Research by the Confederation of British Industry shows helping others can develop skills which boost young people’s employability. The Step Up To Serve initiative aims to help 1.7 million more young people aged between ten and 20 to become volunteers.

Mrs Sutton said: “The Association of Colleges has pledged to support this new charity and I was invited by Prince Charles because of this.

"I felt very privileged to be there because a group of young people told their inspiring stories of volunteering, the difference they can make to their own lives, and the people around them in their wider community.”

“The Prince is very committed to young people through the Princes Trust and other charities, in the same way that Bradford College and I are committed to young people and helping them achieve their full potential.”