A MUSIC video encouraging people to stop carrying knives has been created in town.

The video has been filmed and produced in Reading for Redeeming Our Communities’ (ROC) ‘No More Knives’ initiative with support from the Diocese of Oxford, Reading Football Community Trust and the Thames Valley Police.

It highlights the difficulties and affects of knife crime on young people and offers the positive message that everyone has a chance to live for more since they were born to fly.

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Shocking statistics show that in the last 12 months across the Thames Valley Police Area, 593 knife/weapons offences involving young people under 25 years old were recorded: 62 of the offences were carried out in Reading.

Tragically, a number of these resulted in fatalities.

Speaking about the video, The Rt Revd Olivia Graham, Bishop of Reading said: “Many of our young people live in fear of becoming a victim of knife crime.

"We have to ask ourselves why our young people are carrying knives? 

"What is it telling us about ourselves and our society?

“This powerful song, which we were delighted to help fund, carries a powerful message that we are all born for greater things.

"It deserves to be seen widely, so please do share it in with your congregation and local community.”

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Musician Josh Green who wrote, recorded and produced the track added: “This video was filmed and recorded in Reading in response to a recent rise in the number of serious knife crime incidents that have wrought havoc on the community – knife crime doesn’t just affect the victim; it has a ripple affect that can be felt for years to come.

“We hope that this video will serve as an inspiration and encouragement to the people of Reading that life is valuable and that young people can choose to make positive choices with their lives.

"It is our hope that this message will spark a movement in the UK of young people rising up to take a stand for life.

“You can get involved in the No More Lives Movement by emailing info@roc.uk.com.”

If you are worried about a child, knifecrimes.org and the Ben Kinsella Trust have a wealth of information to support you and your young person.