THE mother of a teenager who was stabbed to death has presented a 50,000-name petition to 10 Downing Street.

Caroline Shearer, of Clacton, launched the Only Cowards Carry charity after her son, Tendring Technology College pupil Jay Whiston, was murdered outside a house party in 2012.

More than 50,000 people have now signed a petition calling for weapons awareness education to become part of the national curriculum in secondary schools.

Mrs Shearer delivered the petition to Downing Street with Colchester MP Will Quince on Tuesday.

Mrs Shearer said: “Only Cowards Carry are extremely grateful for all the support that has been received for this petition. With over 50,000 signatures, the public have really got behind us.

“Young people need weapons awareness education and we need our young people and communities safe.”

Only Cowards Carry assistant MD, Natasha Potter, added: “We have been overwhelmed by the amount of support we have received from the public, which has really helped us to make an impact with this campaign.”

Jay was 17 when he was killed in Colchester almost three years ago.

The town’s MP, Will Quince, said he was “privileged” to help take the petition to Downing Street.

“I am delighted to draw attention to an important cause and to pay tribute to the amazing efforts of this charity,” he said.