AN award-winning author is helping to warn Keighley young people about the dangers of County Lines exploitation and knife crime.

Christina Gabbitas, with the support of West Yorkshire Police and Keighley Town Council, is taking the 'keep safe' message to schoolchildren.

She has led sessions at Carlton Keighley, using her own stories and animations – 'No More Knives or County Lines' and 'Trapped in County Lines'.

County Lines crime involves illegal drugs being transported from one area to another, usually by children or vulnerable people coerced into it by gangs.

Christina, an honorary member of the NSPCC Council, says: "My narratives reveal the realities faced by children and young people who fall victim to exploitation and grooming in this type crime, and emphasise the serious consequences that come with involvement in knife-related activities.

"The students demonstrated brilliant engagement with my stories and characters.

"I firmly believe in the transformative power of storytelling to convey meaningful messages."

She adds: "Since I began my work on the issue of County Lines, I have spoken to many people who have had first-hand experience of how criminals exploit our young people. I've spoken to parents who are in desperation after seeing their child trapped by these gangs.

"It’s vital that we get the message across early and raise awareness with young people of how they can become trapped, and how what may seem like a friendship at first can quickly escalate into something more sinister which takes their life down a destructive path."

Detective Chief Superintendent Lee Berry, director of the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership, welcomed the initiative.

He said: "The more we can do to educate children and young people about knife crime, County Lines and exploitation, the more chance we have of protecting them from harm. We cannot do this alone, however. It must be a partnership endeavour, creating safe spaces for conversation and discussion on these crucial issues. I’m really pleased that we have been able to support this work and that it is making such a difference locally."

The venture was funded by Keighley Town Council’s events and community development committee.

Its chair, Councillor Mohammed Muazzam, says: "Keighley Town Council recognises how important it is to educate young people about the dangers of knife crime and County Lines. I believe our funding was money well spent, especially if it prevents just one child from getting involved in knife/drug-related activities."