YOUNG musicians are being encouraged to join the fight against knife crime by making music.

The Bands Against Knife Crime campaign is offering a series of competitions and gigs for the under 25s to encourage them to get involved in the music industry and keep them away from crime.

Bands are asked to send in a video of their music to mikee@broccolimusiclive.co.uk.

Aspiring music journalists and photographers can also get involved, by writing a 500 word review of a gig or sending in a photograph encapsulating what music means to them.

With prizes including a day at the EMI Roundhouse recording studio, a day's work experience at London Tour Dates magazine, a photoshoot with a band and a gig playing alongside established acts, winning one of the contests will give youngsters real life experience of their chosen profession.

Andy Love, the MP for Edmonton, which sees the bulk of Enfield's knife crime, urged youngsters from the east of the borough to try their luck.

He said: “I'm really keen to see as many people as possible from Edmonton get involved with Bands Against Knife Crime. It's a great initiative that is inspiring young people and making them realise with a bit of hard work their dreams and future careers can happen.”

The closing date for entries is September 1, for more information visit www.bakc.co.uk or the Bands Against Knife Crime facebook site.