CHILDREN as young as 10 are being warned over the dangers of carrying knives.

Members of Swindon Borough Council's community safety partnership speak to around 1,800 Year 6 children each year about blades.

In a blog written for Wiltshire Police's knife amnesty, community safety officer Steve Kensington, wrote: "The presentation is focused on dispelling the myths of knife crime, particularly the belief given by many caught that they are carrying knives for their own safety.

"We include a display of knives, swords and other weapons confiscated by the police in Swindon and explain to the children that if they carry a knife for any reason, they are more likely to be harmed or even killed by that knife.

"We also explain the penalties for carrying a knife - and that protection is no excuse - with the aim that not only will they take the advice themselves but they will pass on what they have learnt to family and friends who may make the same mistake."

Mr Kensington backed the knife amnesty: “It provides people with a safe place to dispose of knives that they have, reducing the risk of harm to themselves and their communities.

“The campaign will also raise awareness of the risks and consequences of carrying a knife.”

The amnesty runs until Sunday, September 30. Knives can be left in red bins in five police stations across the county: Gablecross Police Station in Swindon, Malmesbury, Trowbridge and Chippenham.

For more, call police on 101.