Blair sets campaign goal for stars - News in brief - Evening Standard
       

Blair sets campaign goal for stars

Premiership footballers are being urged to sign up as "ambassadors" in the fight against teenage gun and knife crime.

Tony Blair wants all 20 top-flight clubs in England to provide at least one "superstar" to tour schools and warn pupils against getting involved with gangs.

The Prime Minister is understood to have discussed the plan with Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand at a recent in Downing Street.

The Government believes footballers could provide excellent "role models" for young males in danger of going off the rails.

Ministers are particularly keen to involve black players who could appeal to disaffected youngsters from ethnic minorities.

The proposed squad of ambassadors would be overseen by the Home Office.

News in brief in Pictures

Don't Miss
Gala night for the Queen of arts - stars turn out in their hundreds to pay tribute

Happy & glorious

Stars turn out in their hundreds to pay tribute to Queen
Prints charming: patterned trousers for summer

Prints charming

Patterned trousers for summer
Promethipedia: the lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus

Promethipedia

The lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus
The Middletan: Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London

The Middletan

Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London
Amy Childs bares all like Britney

Dare to bare

Amy Childs vajazzles like Britney
Thais go Gaga: singer’s ‘fake rolex’ tweet sparks new tour row... but fans still mob her at airport

Thais go Gaga

Singer mobbed at airport
Trip the bright fantastic - in vertiginous neon

Fashion

Trip the bright fantastic - in vertiginous neon
Chelsea Champions League celebrations - in pictures

Victory parade

Chelsea Champions League celebrations
High-flying heroes

High flying heroes

David Oyelowo reveals all about new film Red Tails
The Twitter Diaries: Think Bridget Jones tries social networking

The Twitter Diaries

Think Bridget Jones tries social networking