HUNDREDS of people have taken part in workshops to tackle knife and gun crime.

The African Welfare Organisation (AWO) hosted the awareness day at The Stephen Lawrence Centre, in Brookmill Road, Deptford.

Ex-gang members spoke about their experiences and drama performance depicted real life situations about young people affected by knife and gun crime.

More than 400 enjoyed listening to two choirs as well as sampling an african and carribean menu.

Secretary for the AWO, David Ighovogah, said: “The fight against gun and knife crime can’t be left to the police alone.

“Parents, teachers and young people need to be involved.”

Beresford Peart recited his poem Parents and Children, which is about parents taking responsibility for what happens within their family.

He said: “If you see something going on you must speak to someone instead of keeping it to yourself.”

New Cross ward councillor, Stephen Padmore, and Young Mayor of Lewisham, Kieza Silveira De Sousa , attended the event.