THE mum of murdered Clacton schoolboy Jay Whiston has continued her anti-knife crime campaign with a fundraising drive in Clacton.

Caroline Shearer opened the shop in Jackson Road on Saturday to raise funds and awareness of the campaign, called Only Cowards Carry.

Mrs Shearer has been visiting schools to talk to youngsters about the dangers of carrying weapons.

She said: “The support in Clacton for the campaign has been excellent, as we would expect.

“People have even asked if we will come along to Frinton And Walton. We will be at the late night shopping on December 14 and have been offered a shop in Walton.

“I have given a talk to a school in Braintree and have been in contact with Ravenscroft in Clacton and Rolph in Thorpe.

“So far we have collected 2,000 signatures for the petition at the shop in Clacton – bringing the total to 12,000.

“The issue of weapons awareness is so important. Many youngsters don’t know what to do if someone they know is carrying a weapon.

“Pupils have told me that they would try to persuade them not to, but they must tell an adult.”

The campaign is for an automatic four-year sentence for anyone caught carrying a knife without a legitimate reason.

The shop, in Jackson Road, which is selling T-shirts, caps, wristbands, sweatshirts and other campaign merchandise, will be open from 10am until 4pm, until Saturday.