A former gangster who spent his time robbing shops to feed his drug addiction visited three schools to share the harsh reality of knife crime.

Paul Hannaford held a series of workshops at Hertswood Academy and Elstree UTC in Borehamwood, and Queen's school in Bushey to bring home his hard-hitting message.

Mr Hannaford, originally from East London, lost his way in his teenage years when he became a part of a gang.

Turmoil followed as he found himself addicted to cocaine and heroin, carried a large knife and knuckle duster around with him, while he was stabbed seven times altogether.

Aged in his mid-20s and after 10 years of crime, Mr Hannaford ended up handing himself into police after a series of robberies.

After being sentenced, he was taken to hospital to save his leg from being amputated due to the drug use, before being taken to rehab.

Since his release from prison, Mr Hannaford has stayed clean and now dedicates his time to educating young children on the dangers of knives and drugs.

His recent workshop at schools across the borough was funded by Hertsmere Borough Council's community safety partnership.

Loran Kingston, community safety intervention officer, said: “Paul’s talks are an effective way of getting the message across about the dangers of crime and addiction.

“His hard-hitting style is not intended to scare the young people attending the workshops, but to provide an honest account of the perils of drug taking and how the use of illegal substances can spiral out of control and into dependency.”

Mr Hannaford added: “I have experienced at first hand the dangers of drugs and crime and hopefully by telling the young people about my life, I can help to steer them away from danger and enable them to lead happy, fulfilling and healthy lives.

“This message has never been more important, especially with the recent well-publicised increase in violent crime in London, so if I can help make a difference then that is fantastic.”