A HIP-HOP artist from Derby has pledged his support to the mother of murdered student Luke Campbell in her campaign to help the families of knife-crime victims.

Neil Olsson – known as Red Tempa – promotes peace and respect for others through his songs, unlike some rappers who have been criticised for glamorising street crime.

He is now helping Hazel Hayes raise the awareness of gang, gun and knife violence in the wake of the death of her son, Luke.

She wants to form a campaign group to help ensure victims get financial support for things like funeral costs, as well as campaigning for tougher sentences for people caught carrying weapons.

Neil has offered to help establish a regular memorial night to help raise money for any campaigning that Hazel would like to carry out.

He said: "When I was younger, I was mixed up with drugs and violence but my music helped me to turn my life around. I broke away from that kind of lifestyle and started to write positive lyrics.

"This is the sort of thing I feel strongly about. I wanted to start my own campaign but, with me working full-time and spending time on my music, it was difficult to find the time.

"This seemed like the perfect opportunity. I have family living in Bournemouth, where Luke was killed, and I am from Derby, so there are connections there."

Bournemouth University student Luke was stabbed by London men Larbi Mohamed, Saeed Alkadir and Delaine Brown, who are now serving life sentences. Hazel, who moved back from Bournemouth to her native Derby following the former Murray Park Community School pupil's death, told the Derby Telegraph this month that she wanted to help prevent a similar tragedy.

She has called for tougher sentences for those carrying weapons and further financial support for community centres to help keep them open longer.

Luke, who lived in Belper before moving to Burton, was only at university for six weeks before he was attacked in November.

It is thought he was stabbed in a case of mistaken identity.

After reading about Hazel's ideas, 24-year-old Neil, who is a senior accounts manager and performs his music in a suit, said he knew he had to get in touch.

He started rapping at the age of 14 and has since been signed up record label Starharbour Records, as well as appearing on music channel MTV.

Hazel said she was delighted that the former Noel-Baker Community School and Language College pupil had been in touch to offer his support.

She added: "I am going to be looking for funding to set up the campaign because the problem of youngsters getting involved in crime is a real one."