Richard and Gloria Taylor were praised for their dignity

Richard and Gloria Taylor met Mr Livingstone at a centre named after their son, who was killed in Peckham, south-east London.

Damilola, 10, died from a stab wound to the leg in November 2000. Twin brothers were cleared of his murder.

Mr Livingstone was visiting Greenwich, Tower Hamlets and Southwark to discuss crime and policing.

He presented the From Boy to Manhood award to Mr and Mrs Taylor on Thursday for the dignity and courage with which they faced the murder of their son.

Mr Livingstone said: "Coming here today and meeting Mr and Mrs Taylor, you recognise the strength of the community that has been through incredibly difficult times, not just for a few years but for decades."

As well as talking to residents, the mayor discussed crime and policing with Southwark's borough commander Ian Thomas.

Prime Minister Tony Blair re-named an existing centre in Peckham after Damilola one year on from his death.

Mr and Mrs Taylor set up a trust in their son's name to help children with epilepsy and to provide financial support for young people wanting to study medicine.