A woman who was moved by riots in her home town of Hackney is looking to start a charity to help youngsters turn their lives around.

Singer Scarlet Gabriel, 25, who is currently performing in the Seaside Spectacular in Cromer Pavillion Theatre, moved to Hackney when she was eight years old.

'I'm one of those people who tries to remain positive. I got really upset about the riots. I watched the news and saw the Croydon shop burning down and it led me to think about people knowing what right and wrong,' she said.

Miss Gabriel plans to start a charity to help children develop through performing arts.

'It's something which has been in the back of my mind for years. I'm out here trying to better myself and there are some people in Hackney who don't know how to do that. They don't know that they have got options. There are a lot of people who need direction.

'I would like to teach a performance class, as this gave me the confidence I have now as well as making me more disciplined in my everyday.'

She hopes to deliver her project, ScarletWorkshops in London schools.

'I want to change lives. Confidence has a large role in peoples abilities to express themselves and seek help they need, I can instill that confidence, the confidence a boy needs to say no to his friends who want to rob the corner shop. I'm not saying it will solve the problems in the world but its a positive start.' she said.

Miss Gabriel graduated from the University of Chichester in 2007 with a degree in performing arts. As part of her degree she helped young actors and singers with their confidence. She spent her summer holidays taking part is as many free acting classes as possible.

'I have seen so many different teaching styles. Kids like to think they know it all but sometimes you have to show them the end product. When I teach singing I will sing first so they think 'what have you done to get the that stage?''