A schoolboy from Dorchester has won a national music competition that aims to combat knife crime.

Isaiah Hamilton, 12, had to record his own rap video and write his own lyrics about the dangers of knife crime to enter the ‘Freestyle King’ competition.

It is part of the Government’s ‘It Doesn’t Have to Happen to You’ campaign, which aims to support and deliver anti-knife crime initiatives throughout England and Wales.

Just 10 rappers were chosen by a panel of judges to make it onto the campaign’s website where viewers can watch their rap videos.

The public then voted online for the eight who made it through to the semi-final and the two who made it to the final.

Isaiah, whose stage name is Lil Dreads because of his long waist-length dreadlocks, went on to win the title of ‘Freestyle King’.

He then appeared on Newsround and is due to appear on Blue Peter after being awarded the prestigious Gold Badge. He also won tickets to attend a Radio 1XTRA weekend with backstage passes.

Here he was able to hang out with pop stars including Tinchy Stryder, Chipmunk, JLS, Tim Westwood and Donaeo in their dressing rooms and he even got to rap with them.

The Dorchester Middle School pupil writes and raps about topics in the news and about issues that are effecting him.

Isaiah, who was recognised as gifted and able in music at the age of nine at Damers First School, has been singing ever since he was five.

He said: “It was a complete shock when I won.

“It was really amazing winning the Blue Peter badge and meeting the presenters and all the celebrities at Radio 1XTRA.

“Even though knife crime doesn’t happen as much in Dorchester as it does in other parts of the country, it is still something that could happen so it is an important message to get across.”

Mum Amanda, 49, said: “He really is a very talented little boy and I am so proud of him.

“Everywhere we go people stop him and ask him to rap.”

To view Isaiah’s video visit www.youtube.com/lildread97 or visit www.itdoesnthavetohappen.co.uk