THREE projects have been given £710,000 between them 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 schemes aim to tackle gun and knife crime by offering educational programmes and guidance to young people.

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

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

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

"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."