YOUNG people across Scotland are tackling violent crime by creating anti-knife-carrying films.

The Scottish Youth Parliament has been working with young people, to deliver We-CTV, producing videos in just a few weeks.

Pupils at schools, including those at Glasgow West End's Notre Dame High, have produce two-minute films highlighting the evil of knife crime.

Youngsters aged between 11 and 16 from St Andrew's Academy and Castlehead High, both in Paisley, and Garnock Academy, North Ayr- shire, have also taken part.

From hundreds of entries, 20 groups have been chosen to go through to the next stage of the project.

Now the public is being asked to choose their favourite in a national final.

Grant Costello MSYP, chairman of the Scottish Youth Parliament, said: "We-CTV is a fantastic youth-led project which is going from strength to strength.

"We-CTV gives young people the creative space and the tools they need, allowing them to get to grips with a serious issue which sadly that affects thousands of Scots every year.

"I've been thoroughly impressed by the high standard of the videos submitted by our finalists.

"The original ideas that they've come up with in such a short space of time are extremely impressive.

"I'd encourage everyone, both young and old, to head to our website, watch the films for themselves and vote for your favourite"

A total of 10 finalists will be chosen to attend the We-CTV awards ceremony to be held next month at Glasgow's Science Centre, where the films will be premiered on the big screen.

The prize winners will be announced by Kenny MacAskill MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice.

Mr MacAskill, said: "The We-CTV project is a teriffic idea.

"We've already seen some really creative films being produced by school pupils and their involvement is making them stop and think about the negative effects of knives in their communities.

"That can only be a good thing and has the power to turn lives around and stop them and their friends from going down the wrong path in life.

"We may also have uncovered some budding Scottish film directors of the future and I'd urge as many people to vote as possible.

"I commend the Scottish Youth Parliament, YouthLink Scotland and the schools and youth groups involved for their important work helping to educate young people on the dangers of knife crime."

To view the videos and vote, visit www.syp.org.uk/ wectv

Voting closes next Monday.

rebecca.gray@heraldandtimes.co.uk