Hendon MP Matthew Offord joined schoolchildren to launch a scheme aimed at keeping young people safe in Barnet.

Mr Offord and Hendon School pupils walked along Brent Street talking to shopkeepers who are taking part in the City Safe Zone project.

The scheme, supported by London Citizens, aims to provide people with a safe sanctuary in shops if they fear being attacked.

Shopkeepers can register for the scheme and display a sign showing the City Safe Zone logo in their window.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Offord said: “A tradition of the original Olympic Games in Greece was for 100 days of peace – 50 before and 50 after. This was to allow safe passage to and from the games for participants.

“The City Safe Zone is one of hundreds of such projects as part of London’s 100 days of peace. The project will then become a legacy of the Olympics and will help keep people safe for many years to come.

“This is something that the police, the council or even the Government cannot achieve on their own.

“The project in Barnet has been introduced by young people at Hendon School and it will be their legacy. I only hope that other schools in my constituency decide to launch their own Safe Zones.”

Barnet Council staff and Metropolitan Police were also involved in yesterday’s launch.