9:01am Tuesday 15th April 2008
By Catherine Priestley
YOUNG people have produced an awardwinning film to help their peers avoid knife crime.
Teenagers in Ferryhill, County Durham, feared they would fall foul of a knife crime epidemic spreading across the UK.
They were worried about finding themselves in trouble with police or, worse still, the victim of an incident involving a knife.
The youngsters, who attend youth clubs at the Ladder Centre, launched a project to raise awareness about the issue.
They interviewed police and young people and learnt that it is against the law to possess an offensive weapon in public.
Youngsters agreed that even carrying a knife would run the risk of it being used in the heat of the moment or turned on them.
With a grant from County Durham Foundation and support from police, the group worked with production company Talentstar to turn their research into a film.
Jack Atkin, 13, said: "Some of us carried knives for hunting, but we found out what can happen in terms of breaking the law and the dangers. It has made us all think about it a lot more and we hope it gives good advice to kids so they do not think its okay to use knives."
Megan Grimmer and Ruby Willetts, both 11, represented the group at an awards ceremony at Durham Castle last month, when the project won a Shrievalty Award.
The scheme is funded by the High Sheriff of County Durham, Durham Agency Against Crime, Durham University and the Sir James Knott Trust to reward bravery, determination and work in the community.
Megan said: "We are really proud of what we have done and hope it works."
The group is now in the running for a National Crimebeat award after outgoing High Sheriff Ian Dewhirst nominated them for the competition, which recognises the efforts of young people to make their community safer.
Last week, he attended Ferryhill Catholic Club, where the film was shown to the public.
Mr Dewhirst said: "This group showed the caring, leadership and initiative that is needed to stop this sort of thing happening.
"This group of young people did a terrific job and I am impressed they got on and tackled an issue concerning them instead of waiting for something to happen."
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