An ex-gang member has revealed how he managed to turn his life around after winning an award.

Leon McGhie, from Tottenham got involved in criminal activity and gang culture as a teenager, having been in and out of prison and serving sentences for burglaries and robberies.

While he was involved in gangs, Mr McGhie said he was stabbed five times, including once in the head.

When he was 17, he came out of prison for what he swore would be his last time and joined a Prince’s Trust Fairbridge course, which helps young people to develop their confidence.

“But I dropped out because there was trouble with some gangs in my area that I got called back into,” Mr McGhie said. “I stayed involved in this life for longer than I wanted.”

It was in 2016 when Mr McGhie came back to The Trust to take part on the course – not knowing it was delivered by The Metropolitan Police.

He said: “I couldn’t believe I was spending time with and forming relationships with the police.

“I came from a community who did not interact with the police in a positive way, we shunned them. But Team made me see the police differently and work hard to stay out of trouble.”

After completing the course, Mr McGhie managed to work his way into the film industry, having worked as a runner on blockbuster films such as Paddington and Fantastic Beasts. He now works in the costume department.

At The Prince’s Trust Awards last week (October 14), he won the London and South East Homesense Young Achiever of the Year award.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Mr McGhie said: “In the past I was involved in gangs and in a bad place.

“I am so happy that I have moved away from that life, and I am so proud to have been recognised today by The Prince’s Trust as a Young Achiever. I am so excited for my future now.”

Louise Greenlees, President of TK Maxx and Homesense added: “Leon is a truly inspiring young man and is a very deserving winner of the Young Achiever award. He should be very proud and we’re sure he will continue to thrive. Well done Leon!”