A MUSIC group in Runcorn is appealing for donations to tackle knife crime in the community.

Victoria Music Group Ltd, led by Rob littler in St Michael’s Church, Greenway Road, began 10 years ago to provide community projects through music, drama and companionship.

Its next venture is to use the arts to educate young people about the dangers and consequences of knife crime.

Rob said: "We believe that the arts should enlighten, inform and educate as well as entertain, more so with children and young people.

"We want to create some bespoke drama based around the devastating after-effects of knife crime both on the victims and their families.

"We will use the adult drama group to interweave the effects on parents and grandparents

"Hopefully we can use the work to make short films for schools and other organisations to help educate children from a young age."

As well as funds to teach young people about knife crime, Victoria Music Group Ltd also needs support to continue its on-going projects.

Its Connecting the Community scheme had substantial support from a Lottery Community Fund Grant last year, enabling the group to grow its Friendship Groups, which address the isolation felt by the elderly, disabled or depressed.

Every Tuesday evening there is also a Big Sing which is open to anyone who wishes to join and no singing experience is needed.

Other activities include a toddler group to help prevent isolation within parenting and free drama workshops in the school holidays for children of low income families or those with disabilities.

Since forming in 2007 Victoria Music Group Ltd has also raised over £20,000 for other causes including Children with Cancer and hospice funds.

To help support the group's effort to bring together the community, visit its gofundme page.