MINISTERS are adept at conjuring up new initiatives designed to combat the increasingly violent scourge of gang culture – but rarely do the schemes they come up with have the required impact.
That's because when you're sitting in a plush office coccooned in the cosy village of Westminster even the best intentions don't make up for a lack of insight into life on the mean streets of inner city Britain.
Fortunately young people – the very
people immediately affected by the rise in use of knives, guns and other problems – are the ones who are most clued-up when it comes to how to tackle the issues effectively.
Which is why it's heartening to see pupils from Hillcrest Primary School in Chapeltown making an invaluable contribution and taking their knowledge right to the heart of Government.
The youngsters created a DVD, Hoodies and Goodies, which was unveiled earlier this year as part of a local anti-violence campaign and now they're trying to persuade the Home Office to adopt their initiative as part of a project which can be rolled out nationally.
And with 400 pupils from the school taking part, they've got the weight of support as well as a high degree of experience behind them.
Let's just hope the powers-that-be actually listen to their ideas and take them on board.
If ministers genuinely want to understand the real world they need to pay attention to the real experts.
Ray of HopeIT seems there could be no more fitting a name for a little girl who's proved herself so battling.
But little Hope Clarke, who was born 10 weeks early, has a twin sister, Shannon, who's proved she has just the same survival spirit.
The angel-faced pair from Belle Isle have just celebrated their fifth birthdays, a milestone for the family who were told they may not survive since their combined weight was barely more than 4lbs.
But their recent celebration should serve as further proof that in our darkest hours there's always hope.
Spice saleSCARY Spice Girl Mel B is flogging a selection of bric-a-brac from her home in an online auction.
The Leeds-born pop star is raising money for children's sick cancer charity Clic Sargent and, it seems, everything must go in a bid to rake in much-needed cash.
But it will take a die-hard fan to buy some of the weird objects which are up for grabs.
The items on offer include a meditation chair, a trademark leopardskin outfit and tribal necklace – now that really is scary.
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