The Archbishop of York has warned young people against the “worship” of celebrity culture as a path to success.

John Sentamu advised the current generation to turn their backs on violence and towards creating their own opportunities.

In an interview to coincide with Black History Month, he said: “Work hard at your education, stay focused and don’t sit around waiting for success to be delivered to you on a plate, because it won’t be.

“Don’t blame someone else, for you have the energy, potential and creativity so use it for the good of humankind. Don’t waste it.”

He added: “Your future success does not lie in guns, gangs and knives or in the worship of celebrities, but in the pursuit of study and hard work and in valuing who you are under God – wonderfully and fearfully created in his image.”