ONCE again the Guardian’s pages are filled with stories illustrating the best and the worst of people.

Two high-profile Old Bailey trials highlight the tragic and pointless loss of life.

Regardless of whether those in the dock are guilty or not, the fact remains that two more young lives have fallen victim to a violent street culture that shows no sign of abating.

It is frustrating and depressing to say it is only a matter of when, rather than if, more parents will lose a child to the scourge of knife crime.

Millions of pounds have been invested in trying to find a solution and many a well-intentioned initiative has been launched to offer a better way of life to disenfranchised and disillusioned young people.

Justice Secretary Jack Straw has pledged to review sentencing for knife offenders in the wake of the conviction of those who murdered Ben Kinsella in north London.

But this kind of reactive, headline-grabbing politics is unlikely to pay long-term dividends.

Where was Mr Straw’s review when killers were jailed for murdering young people in Waltham Forest?

Is it cynical to say it is because there was no famous sister and family friend involved?

It would be surprising if Mr Straw was unaware of the anomaly that the minimum sentence for a murderer is halved if a knife, rather than a gun, is used.

Some youth projects have had more success than others, but there are some selfless, talented people working hard in this borough to give young people a positive sense of purpose.

With that in mind, those who have been included on the Queen’s Birthday Honours list must be warmly congratulated.

The hard work and generosity of people like Violet Gostling and her dedication to working for a better community is an example to us all.