STUDENTS in the district are behind a new app designed to save more young people from knife crime.

Teenagers joined forces with charities, police and the Home Office to create 'Aunty Knife' - a portal for reporting crime and advice for parents or teenagers who feel unsafe, available on both Apple and Android.

The play on word campaign by Neesie is designed to sit in the hearts and minds of young people, who tailored the features to what they want to see, and acts as a family figure to those at risk.

48 pupils from Carlton Bolling College, Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College, University Academy Keighley and Bradford Grammar backed the scheme.

Noreen Khan, the Director of Neesie, a community interest company helping single mums and women, said: "Prevention is the most effective tool we have, and this Home Office funded programme will tackle the problem from the grassroots.

"It will be able to help detect violence within our communities and give more youngsters the skills, support and aspirations they need to turn away from crime and fulfil their potential.

"The project has the potential to reach out to communities and play its part in keeping our streets safe."

Two students from each school will also be selected to attend a meeting in the Houses of Parliament to present their group's policy paper.

Their reports will offer solutions to Ministers in the plight to reduce and eradicate the national weapon epidemic.

The groups have been hard at work after conducting research and experiencing a full day workshops and talks from local and national figures at Kala Sangam Arts Centre.

DSI Christopher Gibson gave pupils an insight into serious violent crime from West Yorkshire Police's view.

One of those on a mission to curb knife crime in local communities is Courtney Barrett, who took his Binning Knives Saves from London to Bradford.

The reality of knife crime showed when Mr Barrett heard how one student had been threatened with a knife just days before the workshop.

But the students were so receptive that Mr Barrett is already hoping to return with his knife-banning mission.

Mr Barrett told the Telegraph & Argus: "I had an amazing time with them.

"When I first got there they were all laughing and I was thinking this could be a hard job but when I talked to them, they all really embraced what we're doing and really want to help other kids stay out of trouble.

"Knife crime takes place anywhere, anytime.

"They really want to do something to curb knife crime.

"A lot of knife crime, we hear about adults. We are telling kids about not carrying knives but they're seeing adults doing it.

"We need to get to the kids before they go down the wrong path.

"I really want to get back to Bradford as soon as possible."

Neesie has been working closely with West Yorkshire Police and the Police Crime Commissioners Office.

It works with organisations like Mothers Against Violence from Manchester to help tackle the problem by seeking solutions.