THREE projects have been given a £710,000 boost by London Mayor Boris Johnson to help them steer young people in the capital away from gun and knife crime.

The Boyhood to Manhood Foundation, which has been running a scheme in Greenwich since 2005, will receive £200,000 for its Calling the Shots programme.

A further £110,000 will be given to the Kids Task Force (KTF) for its Watch Over Me project.

Both these schemes aim to tackle gun and knife crime by offering educational programmes and guidance to young people.

KTF primary school initiative Miss Dorothy.com will receive the rest of the cash.

This teaches seven to 11-year-olds about personal behaviour, crime and safety.

Mayor Johnson said: "These projects are perfect examples of the youth initiatives we desperately need across London to engage young people.

"They offer guidance, information and most importantly steer young people away from the lure of gangs and criminal activity.

"Tackling youth crime is complex and there are no magic solutions but I am determined to make London a safer city for everyone, including young people, who are frequently victims of crime.

"As well as more targeted policing efforts, to combat these issues we need strong community projects, which are relevant and interesting to young people and schemes that widen their horizons as well as raise their aspirations."