WITH his skinhead haircut, 6ft 4in frame and a background as an ex-London gangster, John Pridmore may not appear to be a good influence on children.

But the ex-drug dealer, bouncer and debt collector was at St John's RC Comprehensive School in Bishop Auckland to give a positive message to the pupils.

Since giving up his life of crime, Mr Pridmore travels around the country warning mainly young people about the perils of violence and drugs - and it is hard not to listen to the imposing Londoner.

"Even the most difficult teenagers sit up and listen when he speaks," said Mr Pridmore's agent, Christine Ward.

"His no-nonsense approach has changed the hearts and attitudes of many people."

At the age of 13 Pridmore had started stealing. By 15 he was in a detention centre (a youth prison).

He said he left home having been released and his only qualification was stealing, so that's what he did.

At 19 he was in prison again and came out angrier and more bitter.

His work as a bouncer led him to join some of London's East End's most vicious "firms", and gave him entry into a dark world of drugs and intimidation.

He was involved in massive drug deals, protection rackets and vicious crime of all sorts.

One night, he hit a man with a knuckle duster. Thinking the man was dead, he fled the scene and it was then he knew he had to change his life and he became a Christian.

He now speaks to thousands of people in parishes, schools and prisons throughout the UK spreading the word of God.