SWDT students forge powerful anti-knife crime message with inspiring new statue

Seventeen proud teenagers from South West Durham Training (SWDT) have channelled their metal fabrication and welding skills into a powerful new artwork, creating their very own version of the iconic Knife Angel.

SWDT students forge powerful anti-knife crime message with inspiring new statue Seventeen proud teenagers from South West Durham Training (SWDT) have channelled their metal fabrication and welding skills into a powerful new artwork, creating their very own version of the iconic Knife Angel.

This poignant statue, crafted by the Level 2 students, will serve as a lasting focal point in Newton Aycliffe town centre as part of the wider ‘Pointless Project’ campaign to reduce knife crime.

The initiative gained significant momentum with the arrival of the full-scale 27ft National Knife Angel in Newton Aycliffe on June 1.

As the impressive sculpture, made from over 100,000 surrendered knives, prepares to depart on June 28, the SWDT students were eager to contribute a permanent symbol of awareness against the devastating impact of knife crime.

Newton Aycliffe Police, notably Sergeant Andy Boyd, have been instrumental in supporting this community-based project, extending thanks to the Aycliffe Business Park community for their valuable contributions.

Gary Bower, fabrication and welding lecturer at SWDT, who supported the students alongside fellow lecturer Harry Wright, said: “This sends such a powerful community message, and SWDT and our students are proud that we can leave a lasting memory of the Knife Angel’s visit to the town.

“We have designed a take on the Knife Angel itself, we used and took inspiration from Angel of the North and the actual Knife Angel and redesigned, reimagined it. We are delighted to have been able to facilitate this.”

SWDT - part of Bishop Auckland College Group - was approached by Durham Constabulary to be involved in the Pointless Project, offering students the unique opportunity to design, draw and manufacture their own version of the Knife Angel.

Their 3D metal sculpture features a body reminiscent of the Angel of the North, symbolising the region's heart, with angel wings intricately designed to incorporate knife shapes cut out of the metal. This innovative piece will remain a permanent fixture in the Newton Aycliffe Community Hub, centrally located in the town.

Joe Lowery, Charley Turnbull, Tom Lally, Jake Wilson, and Joseph Kirkup, all Level 2 metal fabrication and welding students, led the project with the support of many classmates.

Seventeen-year-old Joseph, who lives near Barnard Castle, said. “It is about raising awareness and trying to reduce knife crime, while it has been a good thing to be part of, creating awareness of knife crime.

“We didn’t think it would turn out as good as it has. We normally work by ourselves on projects, but everyone chipped in with this, and that was good because it made it even more enjoyable, working with friends.”

The students also found inspiration from the artist of the WW1 statue 'Tommy' in Seaham, Ray Lonsdale, whose work they visited. The project was bolstered by the generous support of local businesses.

Aycliffe Fabrications supplied a sheet of steel, Finley Structures assisted with the finishing look, saving considerable time by shot-blasting the entire statue as a single piece. RJS Laser also supported the project by laser-cutting a plaque with the statue's powerful message: ‘Manufacturing Safer Communities.’

Charley Turnbull, 17, from Spennymoor, said: “It shows other people our age that something needs to be done about knife crime and what can be achieved by working together.

“It has been an eye opener. As young people you don’t always listen as much to some messages but you often listen more when it is people your own age.

“This was fantastic. We visited the artist Ray Lonsdale … a few of us then designed the statue, the wings on CAD. We are absolutely delighted with the end result.”

The student-made Knife Angel currently sits at the main Knife Angel Hub in Newton Aycliffe. Once the national statue departs, the student-crafted piece will be permanently moved to the Newton Aycliffe Community Hub, ensuring its message resonates for years to come.

Gary added: “The students have taken a lot from this. As soon as the actual concept was spoken about, our students jumped in with both feet, they ran with it.

“The students are proud because they have done an amazing job. This also demonstrates that there is no place for Knife Crime in the community. These teenagers are sending messages out to others their age and they have been a pleasure to work with, setting incredible examples.”