Hi, I try to write a blog every week but have missed a couple now. There are various reasons, I did go on holiday, I have been on various courses, boring conferences, working at the G20, and as I mentioned in my last blog caught up in dreaded apprasials.

Anyhow that is all done and dusted now so i thought I would just update you on a few things that have been happening.

On the 30th March at the Advait Centre in Forty Avenue, Wembley we held the final of Brent Dragons' Den. I wouldn't call it a relaxing evening though. I got to the centre early just as the guys were setting up the sound systems etc. There were five finalists and as the clock neared the start time of 5pm only two had arrived. Fortunately two more arrived just after five, but one never showed at all.

The Dragons taking part were local businessman Charlie Malik (who also contributed £500), Anita Jakhu from the Community Safety Board, local MP Dawn Butler, Petergaye Palmer from the Brent Youth Parliament, and Jennifer Ogole from Life FM Radio.

Once the event began they sat a little precariously on a small stage and the finalists had five minutes to do there presentation and five minutes for questions. Once all the presentations had been done there was a break for food and then the winner was announced.

The scheme that gets the £6,000 prize money is called Ride 4 Life and was put togther by students at Cpaital City Academy in NW10. Its a great idea aiming to encourage more young people to take up cycling. I was happy because when I marked the forms prior to the final it was my favourite.

Overall I was very pleased with the way the event went. We had some great ideas which proved to me that most young people are responsible, sensible, and want the same thing we all do - to be safe and discourage people from becoming involved in crime.

Would I run another?. Well, as a result of organising this someone did discover a grey hair the other day, so maybe not.

I am leaving Brent soon having got a job at the TSG. I will keep this blog updated until I go, and maybe after I leave, thats still in discussion.

Keep safe Neil