Lily Allen has confirmed she is part of a team of people working on a rewards scheme to help combat the problem of knife crime.

Allen, who met with London mayor Boris Johnson earlier this year to discuss the problem, said the body planned to reward people for “positive action”.

"From what I can see there's a lot of money waiting to be spent, it's just about finding the right thing that will make a difference," she said.

"I'm not going to rush it, I want to give all my time to this. We're trying to figure out a scheme that I can attach myself to."

She added: "I don't think [knife crime] is fuelled by hate, but by wanting to get a reaction or some respect from your community.”

"So we're working on a reward scheme, or almost a sports day: a way you can win something for your community, like bike parts or computers or sewing machines. Anything really, so you get the kudos from your peers for positive action, for winning stuff."

Allen is due to release her second studio album, 'It's Not Me, It's You', on February 9th.

(by Jason Gregory)