An off-the-rails gangster who got his life back on track has been selected as a role model for other teenagers.

Tobias Buck, 18, was chosen by Croydon Council to be one of the faces of a national youth campaign because of his work in the community.

The campaign, called 19 under 19s, has been launched by the Department for Children, Schools and Families and aims to show the real image of today’s teens.

Tobias, who got mixed up in gangs, had a difficult time at school and by 15 he was in a pupil referral unit.

But two years mentoring from the Supporting Others Through Volunteer Action group allowed him to reassess his life and he realised he could do better.

He volunteered for the V group and used his knowledge to warn other kids about the dangers of gang culture and how to resist the pressure to join.

He was subsequently invited to join the UK Youth Parliament Action Team, representing young people on issues around equality, cohesion and inclusion. He now plans to become a Police Community Support Officer, with a view to entering the mainstream police force.

Tobias said: “I’m really pleased to be part of this campaign. It’s important that people get to see something positive about young people and understand that they are dependable.”

The campaign will run throughout this month, with photographs of Tobias and the other 18 teenagers being showcased for the whole of December.

DCSF hopes that 19 Under 19s will help to encourage more young people to participate in positive leisure time activities.

Jo Freeman, project manager for Croydon Young People’s Project says: “Tobias has been confronted with many adverse issues while growing up.

“He has a real desire and commitment to help others and make a positive contribution, raising awareness of issues that affect young people in his own community.”