A group of young people from Southfields are using their own experience of life on the streets to encourage teenagers to choose a career over a knife.

Twins Byron and Aaron Douglas, 23, of Beaumont Road, set up their own businesses several years ago and now host workshops to inspire youngsters to turn their back on crime and learn a trade instead.

The pro-active pair, who were in and out of trouble as kids, will be offering career advice at the Opportunity Knocks event at Wandsworth Town Hall in Wandsworth High Street from 10am to 2pm on Thursday, February 19.

Organised by Connexions, the day gives 13-19 year olds the chance to ask questions, take part in practical workshops and guidance on how they can get into college courses.

Electrician Byron said: “It’s easy to get into a life on the streets, especially when there’s not much to do. We knew if we carried on down that same path, we would end up in real trouble. So we made the decision to get a trade behind us.”

Byron’s partner Camile McGuire, 24, has joined the brothers to form ABC, which stands for All Becomes Clear - a trademark name for the group featuring the trio’s initials.

Camile said: “The boys are prime examples that you can do anything if you set your mind to it.”

Aaron, who has been a plumber for five years, said: “We just want to tell these kids that if they want to earn good money and be their own boss, learn a trade. If we can do it, they can too.”

For more information call Connexions on 020 7326 8700.