Disarm was set up by a cross-party group of MPs

The Disarm Trust was set up in April 2003 in response to increased levels of violent crime involving firearms.

MP Diane Abbott, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Gun Crime, set up the meeting.

Victims of gun crime and their families were invited to the event on Wednesday, along with celebrity supporters.

Figures from the pop world include So Solid Crew's Charleen and Siobhan, Damon Albarn, Gabrielle and Jamelia.

The police can't fight gun crime on their own MP Diane Abbott

Other celebrities endorsing the charity include Casualty's Kwame Kwei-Armah and Basketball player John Amaechi.

Disarm was set up after several high-profile shootings across the UK.

Letisha Shakespeare and Charlene Ellis were shot dead while celebrating New Year's Eve 2003 in Birmingham.

Liverpool, Manchester, and London also have high levels of violent crime.

In January this year, 19-year-old Nureni Sheikh died after being shot twice in the Moss Side area of Manchester.

'Grassroots level'

This prompted community leaders in the area expressing fears gun crime was on the increase again.

Organiser Ms Abbott said: "The police can't fight gun crime on their own. The community needs to be involved.

"The Disarm Trust has played a key role in mobilising people both nationally and at grassroots level.

"This event will celebrate the first successful year of the trust and look to gain support for its future work."