Snapshots of hope in memory of Billy Cox

Teenagers on the estate where 15-year-old Billy Cox was shot dead in his bed are being encouraged to take up photography in a bid to beat crime.

A group of 15- to 19-year-olds have been given cameras to capture images from the flats where Billy was killed on Valentine's Day in 2007.

Detectives believe Billy, whose 13-year-old sister found him in their flat on the Fenwick Estate, Clapham, was targeted because of a minor drug deal. Police are still hunting the killer.

Drug offences and violent crime are falling on the estate and community workers believe they can help target the "postcode rivalry mentality" that police fear led to Billy's death.

The Upshotz photography project involved 16 teenagers at youth clubs in Clapham North, Brixton and West Norwood, working alongside three professionals. Over a month, they were taught the basics of photography then sent into the streets of Lambeth with disposable cameras to capture "what peace meant to them".

The project has been so successful its founders are negotiating with Tate Britain to exhibit there next year. They also hope the scheme, backed by Lambeth council, will go borough-wide.

The 38 images show a snapshot of local life. Tanika Bryan, 16, of Brixton, attended the course at Pyramid Youth and Community Centre, close to Billy's home. She said: "The project has helped me meet new people, because if you are just in one place for too long you see the same faces who might have a negative influence on you.

"Postcode rivalry still exists but I think it affects boys more than girls. For some there's still the mentality of I need to get you before you get me'."

Alexus Burke, 15, of West Norwood, impressed with an atmospheric shot of a cemetery. She said: "Too many people are dying due to crime so when I look at this photo it will tell me to be peaceful before I end up there."

Ellie Laycock, co-founder of Upshotz with Mathias Moka, said: "I thought photography could offer another outlet for young people. It was hard to engage with them initially, they were wary of us, but soon the project gave them a real sense of achievement."

An Eye For Peace runs until Saturday at Apollo, Norwood Road, Herne Hill.