A charity fighting London’s gang culture hopes to bring the boroughs of Tower Hamlets and Newham together with a church service this Sunday.

XLP, who work with young people in seven London boroughs, are promising arts performances and speeches from their founder Patrick Regan and other key speakers at St Paul’s church in Shadwell.

The event is designed to combat what the group sees as the growing problems of knife crime and postcode rivalries in the two boroughs.

Mr Regan, who has worked with young people for the last 18 years and is the author of “Fighting Chance: Tackling Britain’s Gang Culture”, will speak on stage to groups including Mixed Opinions, a young music act from Tower Hamlets.

The group from George Green’s school in the Isle of Dogs have come through the charity’s art showcase programme and will perform their own song called “Child of War” about growing up in London.

Jim Fitzpatrick, MP for Poplar & Limehouse and Stephen Timms, MP for East Ham, will also be in attendance.

Mr Regan said: “This service aims to provide a clear demonstration to young people that their communities care about them enough to join together across local boundaries.

“Only by coming together and standing with each other can we expect change.”

The service will start at 6pm.

For further information vist xlp.org.uk.