YOUNG people in Hampshire are being asked to give their views on knife and gun crime as part of the largest survey into the topic ever conducted.

Following on from the Daily Echo's "Carrying a Blade - It's Not Sharp" campaign, children's charity NCH is urging city youngsters to talk about how they have been affected by knife and gun crime, why they think it happens and how it can be tackled.

Stephen Roe, director of children's services for NCH South West said: "Knives and guns are a huge issue for young people.

"Why do some young people feel they need to carry a knife to make them safe?

"Who are the role models that encourage this behaviour?

"These are frightening questions but we have to ask them, listen to the answers and create solutions that will last.

"As adults we can't keep making policy about young people without asking them for their experience and views."

The NCH survey has also been backed by Olympic star John Regis, whose nephew Adam was killed in a knife attack earlier this year.

"Only by involving young people in the debate will we have the chance of improving things," he said.

"I would encourage every young person concerned about these issues to take part."

The survey comes after four fatal stabbings in Hampshire in the past year, prompting the launch of the Daily Echo's campaign.

In March, Totton youngster Dele Little was the first of several people to die from fatal stab wounds in the area.

Later that month, care worker Sarah Merritt and her client Susan Hale were found murdered. Both had suffered multiple stab wounds.

In May, 18-year-old Lewis Singleton died after being fatally stabbed as he walked home from a night out in Woolston.

The campaign, which is backed by the Prime Minister, has been given cross-party support by MPs and councillors as well as the full backing of Hampshire police.

As the campaign continues, bars and nightclubs across Southampton have been given metal detectors to search for potential weapons and hold knife amnesties.

To take part in NCH's consultation visit www.nch.org.uk/ guncrime.