A regional daily has launched an anti-knife crime campaign sparked by a death and subsequent protests on its patch.

The Bournemouth Echo has called for “real change” on the issue after the fatal stabbing of 18-year-old Cameron Hamilton in Bournemouth town centre.

Ahead of an anti-knife crime demonstration on Saturday inspired by Mr Hamilton’s death, the Echo splashed on a call for an end to violence involving blades.

In an accompanying editorial, the Echo said it is aiming to “bring people and organisations together and work for real change”.

In campaigning against knife violence, the Echo joins Newsquest stablemate the Northern Echo and other regional titles the Newcastle Chronicle and Wolverhampton’s Express & Star in calling for further action to tackle the problem.

Echo reporter Hannah Knight, who covered the protest and is leading the campaign, told HTFP: “From speaking with different members of the public about the No More Knives campaign, it seems like the topic is bringing the community together.

“Strangers who have fortunately not been directly affected by knife crime are still taking an equal stand to provoke change.

“As a young person living in Bournemouth it is heartbreaking to hear teenagers say that they are too afraid to go into the town, and that parents are anxious to let their children out of sight in case it is the last time.

“This is why I think it is so important that all local organisations play their part, including the Bournemouth Echo.”