A close friend of stab victim Eugene Attram has won the prestigious Anne Frank award for campaigning against gun and knife crime.

Mitcham resident Alex Rose, 19, set up his campaign STOP (Stop This Ongoing Problem), after his schoolmate was killed in Lavender Avenue nearly two years ago.

Since then, Alex's campaign has received national media coverage and judges of the Anne Frank award praised his actions.

Rochelle Hodds, co-ordinator of the award, said: "Alex is an amazing young man doing some great things and should be applauded.

"He came up to the office and gave a presentation about what he's doing and everyone was truly blown away. I think all seven judges chose him as being someone special."

She added: "It's so important that we recognise people who are making a difference in exactly the same way that Anne Frank ultimately did. This award is about supporting what inspirational young people are doing and shows others just what can be done."

Alex produces a range of fashion items spreading the campaign message and has given presentations to young people at schools and colleges across London.

Next month he will be presented with the award during a star-studded ceremony at the BBC's Broadcasting House.

"I really am absolutely thrilled," said Alex. "I can't wait for the ceremony and it's great to be recognised. But at the same time this is something I won't be dwelling on for too long because there's still so much to do."

In the coming months Alex hopes to join other campaigners to put together an awards ceremony of his own recognising the achievements of young people in the borough, with the help of Merton police.