Lives Not Knives has been nominated for an award that celebrates unsung heroes from across London.

The charity which recently opened a hub in Centrale, strives to stop young people carrying and using knives and aims to raise awareness of the dangers of knife crime.

Ambassadors from the charity set up by founder Eliza Rebeiro, visit schools and youth clubs to try to educate young people. In the six years since the charity was formed the group have reached 30,000 people.

The group was nominated for the John Lewis Young People of the Year in London (YOPEY) award by director Monique Rebeiro.

Speaking about the charity's 70 ambassadors she said: "They are doing a fantastic job and making a huge difference to the streets which are a safe environment."

YOPEY founder Tony Gearing said: "This group is helping to tackle a serious problem. Anything that can be done to reduce this scourge on society is welcome.

"The ambassadors are doing a great job in many ways to educate young people about the dangers and consequences of knife crime, the tragic cost of which can affect so many families."

To find out more visit youngpeopleoftheyear.org