A BREAKDANCING policeman was one of the star attractions at a youth event in Edgware on Saturday aimed at promoting Peace Week.

More than 600 teenagers attended the U in Community event organised by the Nutmeg community and Edgware Safer Neighbourhood Team, in St Margaret's Church Hall in Rectory Lane.

For one event organiser, Darwin Bernardo, it was a double celebration as he was named young person of the year at the London Peace Week awards at City Hall last week.

He told the Times Series: “Saturday was great, we had a really good turnout, especially among the younger kids which was very encouraging.

“A lot of our older participants have gone off to university now, so it's good to see the younger guys coming along and getting involved.”

As well as performances from youngsters from across the capital there was also a dance-off between PCSO Ben Eynon and some of the youngsters.

Mr Bernardo said: “He was really good. Normally a lot of these kids wouldn't even speak to a policeman, but they were screaming and cheering for him.

“I think they get a lot of respect from their work with us and it definitely helps to build bridges. They can see them as people and not just police.”

Workshops started at 5pm involving several local groups telling the teenagers how they can get involved in volunteering, with more than 400 signing up for more information.

There were also talks from representatives from Transport for London about how to stay safe on the roads and the London Jewish Cultural centre also made a presentation about their work and getting more diverse communities involved in it.

Mr Bernardo added: “What we want to do is get every organisation in Barnet working together. The Big Society idea is one we can really buy into.

“What we're getting now is some really big and long-established organisations asking to work with us because we have such a strong connection with the youth.”

Sergeant Dan Reid, who is in charge of the Edgware SNT, said: "Nutmeg is an integral part of the Edgware Community.

“Kids come here to learn about keeping their streets safe and enjoying dance and music together."