A student who was inspired to tackle gang violence after a childhood friend was shot and killed has been nominated for an award.

Temi Mwale, of Grahame Park, Longfield is a finalist in the London Young People of the Year awards or ‘YOPEYs’ – Oscars for young people who give to others.

Temi, who is in her second year at London School of Economics studying law, set up ‘Get Outta the Gang’ in 2012 - an organisation run by young people that helps those affected by gang violence.

The 19-year-old was inspired to act after her friend, Marvin Henry was shot and killed in a gang related incident in Mill Hill in 2011.

Temi said: “Only then could I translate the newspaper articles and news stories into reality and fully understand and appreciate the level of suffering and pain that derives from these issues.

“This propelled my interest into passion. There's a distinction between youth violence and gang culture – they are not just the same or interchangeable though they can overlap.”

So far ‘Get Outta the Gang’ has helped more than 500 people through workshops, youth clubs and training programmes.

Temi, the chief executive of Get out of Gang, said: “It's a full-time job but I get satisfaction from knowing that I'm tackling such an important issue as life or death.

“I'm excited about this because it's an opportunity to reach out to so many youngsters and make them more aware of the problems of gangs in the hope that they will resist joining them.”

Temi, who juggles her charity work with studying for her degree, nominated herself for the award and runs her organisation with help from volunteers.

She hopes to register ‘Get Outta the Gang’ as a charity in the future.

She has also made a documentary called ‘Choices’ showcasing some of the issues affecting young people and raising awareness of the issues surrounding youth crime.

The film has since been shown by Barnet council and other organisations to highlight the problems.

Kyle Whyte, 23, was helped by the organisation after being jailed for possession of a firearm in 2013. When his grandmother died, he went to live with his father where he got involved with gangs and crime.

But the organisation helped him to get housing and a place on an educational course that led to a job with the Youth Justice Board.

Kyle said: “Temi is outstanding. She is kind and has a deep understanding of the problems that young people face and especially gang culture.

“She has helped me with life skills and how to be a good citizen.

“If it was not for her I could be still looking for a job and there is the possibility of getting into trouble again.”

Temi originally ran to become Barnet’s representative on the UK youth parliament before deciding to set up ‘Get Outta the Gang.’

The awards are being held at Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road and she could be in the running to win £500.

The winners are expected to invest their winnings in their good cause but can keep £100 to treat themselves.