Students who spend a year doing voluntary work before heading off to university are more likely to complete their studies, a charity claims.

Aid and development charity Tearfund said that, of those youngsters who had taken part in its Transform projects, none had dropped out of their courses, compared with a UK drop-out rate of 13%.

Employers look for CVs that show candidates have that 'something extra'

Paul Stanbrook, Tearfund

Tearfund, which sent 270 volunteers to developing countries in Africa, Asia and South America this summer, said employers also appreciated the value of volunteer work.

The charity surveyed 200 top businesses and found 75% preferred applicants with voluntary work experience.

William was praised for mucking in during his gap year trip

The poll found a volunteer-based gap year gave young people a chance to develop "soft skills", such as initiative, decision-making and problem-solving - which other university graduates often lacked.

Tearfund's Paul Stanbrook, said: "With supply outstripping demand in the job market, employers look for CVs that show candidates have that 'something extra' that will bring added benefit to the workplace - such as experience of leadership and teamwork in the real world, which Tearfund's Transform Scheme participants definitely offer."

The idea of taking a gap year was boosted by the trips taken by Prince William last year.

The prince worked in Chile for 10 weeks on a Raleigh International expedition helping the local community.