Linda Mitchell, from Sunderland, set up the Firearms Awareness Scheme after her son Micah was shot in the mouth three years ago when he was 12.

She is speaking to youngsters at Ryton Comprehensive School, Gateshead, in a series of presentations this week.

The talk covers how the law has changed in relation to air weapons.

'Dangerous situations'

Mrs Mitchell said: "Micah was only 12 when he was shot in the mouth with an air weapon.

"It pierced his lip and knocked out his bottom teeth but it could have been so much worse and psychologically the impact has been much greater."

Northumbria Police contacted Mrs Mitchell as part of an initiative to tackle the misuse of air weapons.

Community beat manager Pc Jeff McCoy said: "We have had a couple of incidents in recent months including a 17-year-old youth who was seriously injured in the eye after being shot at with an air weapon.

"Someone could easily be killed or injured by a pellet from an airgun or ball-bearings, either directly as a result of being hit or indirectly.

"The irresponsible use of air weapons places both members of the public and police officers in very dangerous situations."

Mrs Mitchell said of reaction to her talks: "We have been very open and honest with the children and they in turn have been open with us."