A youth scheme set up by two teenagers to tackle knife and gang crime has battled back from the brink of closure to win an advertising campaign after appearing on TV.

Andre Hackett and Richard Abiona, founders of the Escape Youth Group, were surprised by television presenter Jenni Falconer for a festive programme rewarding community heroes.

She told the pair: “You guys are just brilliant.”

As a thank you on behalf of young people she revealed their recording studio business, London Mobile Studios, would receive two weeks of free outdoor advertising on digital billboards across the capital.

Cash from the business helps to fund Escape, which offers a free weekly youth club and summer courses to hundreds of children and teenagers on the Phipps Bridge estate and in the wider area every year.

The group offers music making, dance, drama and poetry activities.

Last year it joined forces with anti-violence campaigner Alex Rose – a friend of murdered Mitcham teenager Eugene Attram – to support his Stop campaign, to prevent young people drifting into gangs and gun or knifecrime.

London Mobile Studios offers music making facilities for private functions, as well as sessions in schools and prisons.

Former GMTV star Ms Falconer surprised the pair, both 23, at the Phipps Bridge Youth Centre for her programme Secret Santa.

The two weeks of free advertising, which finished on Monday, was displayed on giant digital billboards in 11 locations, including Clapham, Camden, Hammersmith and the City.

In 2008, the Wimbledon Guardian publicised the group’s plea for help after its key source of funds ran dry.

The story caught the attention of Mitcham businessman Mike Smith, who provided an injection of cash and expertise needed to keep the group going.

When he was interviewed for the TV programme, broadcast on Living TV on December 23, Mr Smith said: “I don’t think they understand the gift they’re giving to these young children – or the aspirations they’re creating.”

Mr Hackett said the project had already begun to improve the lives of teenagers and young people on the estate.

He said: “The aim is for it to keep going. It’s long-term and we’re not expecting great things overnight – but it is making a difference.”

The pair were nominated to appear on the programme by Merton Voluntary Service Council.