A GROUP of pupils who overcame behavioural and learning difficulties to take a stand against crime have been honoured by the Prince of Wales.

The youngsters from Crown Woods College, Eltham, were runners-up in the Balfour Beatty Community Impact category as part of The Prince's Trust's awards.

They were met on stage by the prince along with Joanna Lumley and hosts Ant and Dec in front of a 1,500-strong crowd at the Leicester Square Odeon.

After a trust-run session on knife and gun crime, the group were inspired to start a community campaign raising awareness of anti-social behaviour.

They wrote a play on the subject and are also set to feature on their own DVD.

John Henley-Smith, 16, said: "Our community project helped us in so many ways, but it means even more that we’ve been able to make a difference to other young people too."

For more on the trust, visit princes-trust.org.uk or call 0800 842 842.