A reformed gang member from Holloway has been awarded an OBE for his services to young people.

Chris Preddie, 24, signed up for Crimestoppers after turning away from a life of gangs and guns which claimed the life of his older brother in a drug-fuelled shoot out.

Since then, Mr Preddie has spoken as a volunteer to around 10,000 young people at various schools, prisons and institutions about his own experiences, attempting to give hope to youngsters who might think they have no option but a violent future.

He uses poetry and plays to recount his own difficult journey out of crime to successfully engage his audiences.

He said: “I think that from the background that I’ve come from and a lot a things I’ve had to go through, it’s just an honour to receive such a great award.

“The fact that I’ve been honoured and now have an OBE is fantastic, I think any kid can now see from this that hard work does pay off.”