An Andover teen has followed in the footsteps of the Young Avengers by assembling a team to support superheroics in town.

Dmitrijs Meiksans, the Youth MP for North West Hampshire, has teamed up with The Geek Emporium via his charity to enable young people in town to gain work experience and volunteer with the comic shop. In particular, the deal will focus on safeguarding for the young people while working at the business.

“Lots of companies and organisations are hesitant to bring young people on to volunteer,” said Dmitrijs, “and it is for the simple reason of safeguarding.

“Young people need to feel safe, and of course happy, when volunteering with any organisation, so we [DMK Potential] will be the third party between Andover young people and The Geek Emporium, making sure all forms and procedures are being followed but also that the young people recruited benefit from this opportunity.”

The Geek Emporium launched in Andover back in December, with owner Stuart Gatward having run a stall for a number of years before moving into bricks and mortar. The business hosts a range of collectable items and ‘geeky’ pursuits for the people of Andover to enjoy, with themed décor trying into its products.

The partnership agreement was signed in unit in Waterloo Court this week, with it hoped to be able to allow young people to volunteer in the shop and at high street events that are planned for the summer.

DMK Potential will now work with the shop to develop safeguarding structures that will enable them to work in the project, which is funded by Test Valley Borough Council, and to make young people it works with aware of the opportunity.

Young people who are keen to volunteer with The Geek Emporium this summer should register their interest by emailing thegeekemporium@dmkpotential.org.