Chart topping musicians spoke at an anti-bullying workshop in Croydon on Thursday to support young people at risk of being forced into gang culture.

Ms Banks, Lisa Grand and Jethro “Alonestar” Sheeran joined 40 young people, encouraging them to have more confidence in difficult situations.

The teenagers composed and performed songs at the Hear My Voice Fashion Meets Music Pop Up at Centrale Mall, where celebrity stylist Justin Rose also helped them customise anti-bullying t-shirts.

Jethro Sheeran, who performed a song co-written with his cousin Ed at the event, said: “I never been bullied myself but, tragically, one of my primary school friends committed suicide after being bullied so I know first hand the devastation it can cause.

"I hope that together we've encouraged these young people to speak out and stand up to bullying.”

The Hear My Voice Anti-Bullying initiative is supported by the A-Star Foundation, made famous by high profile footballers including Ian Wright.

Emerging singer songwriter Lisa Grand said: “This is a great initiative and I'm proud to be part of this positive movement.”

A-Star co-founder Ken Bonsu added: “This workshop in Croydon is one of many events we organise to educate and support young people onto positive pathways, steering them towards aspirational role models who don't glamorise gang culture and also highlight our efforts on social media.

"We're hoping that encouraging these teenagers to listen to the voices of experience will help them stay safe and away from a life of crime, and instead focus on fulfilling their potential.”

For more information about A-Star, its events and ambassadors, visit: www.officialastar.com or join its Instagram @officialastarhq