Messages of hope cover symbol of riots

Some of the most evocative images of the unrest a year ago came when the store House of Reeves in Croydon, south London was razed to the ground, having stood on the site for more than 140 years.

The adjacent store, part of the same business and which was damaged but has been refurbished, was decked with pictures of youngsters holding cards with hopeful messages for society and their local community.

The move is designed to challenge the negative perceptions or young people and was organised by youth volunteering charity vInspired as part of its Reverse Riots campaign.

Co-owner Trevor Reeves and his father Maurice were present for the event.

Trevor Reeves, 57, who was forced to watch his family business burn to the ground, said: “The positive legacy of the riots was the coming together of people of all ages and from all walks of life to help mend the capital. We were overwhelmed by the support that was offered to our family and many others affected in the days and weeks that followed.

“We are blessed with so many bright, inspirational and positive young people in this country and I believe it’s important that we don’t allow the actions of such a few to cloud our judgment of the many.”

Prime Minister David Cameron said: “The riots last summer were a wake-up call for the country and I am determined that we will do everything we can to tackle the causes of the riots to ensure we never see scenes like that again.”

David Lammy, MP for another riot-hit area, Tottenham, said: “It is all too easy for media and the general public to lay blame at the hands of all Britain’s young people, but we must remember that this was the actions of the minority. The majority of young people are law abiding, brilliant representatives of this country.”