A former drug addict and ex-gang member told his story at a Welwyn Garden City school in a bid to help tackle antisocial behaviour in the town.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: LR: Sir Frederic Osborn headteacher Jed Whelan, councillor Roger Trigg, Paul Hannaford, councillor Barbara Fitzsimon, Zoe Keyte, borough council chief executive Rob Bridge and PCSO Luke Smith. Picture: WHCLR: Sir Frederic Osborn headteacher Jed Whelan, councillor Roger Trigg, Paul Hannaford, councillor Barbara Fitzsimon, Zoe Keyte, borough council chief executive Rob Bridge and PCSO Luke Smith. Picture: WHC (Image: Archant)

Influential speaker Paul Hannaford told pupils at Sir Frederic Osborn School of his descent into drink and drug addiction and gang life.

Around 5,000 Welwyn Hatfield school pupils have now heard Paul speak in the last two weeks, after Welwyn Hatfield Council invited him to talk in assemblies at five of the local secondary schools.

A grant from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office enabled the council to approach Paul, who had been recommended as an effective speaker on antisocial issues.

To date, he has spoken to over 300,000 young people about his experiences.

Following the event, organised by the council’s Community Partnerships, Cllr Roger Trigg said: “The increased PCC funding for the CSP has enabled us to use best practice and work together to meet the challenge of anti-social behaviour in schools as well as on the streets.

“Alongside the work of the police Safer Neighbourhoods team and the council’s Anti-Social Behaviour team we have found a great influencer for the young people of the borough in Paul Hannaford.”