A total of 2,606 items were put into the 27 bins at police stations across the Northumbria Police force area.

But force Chief Constable Mike Craik said the amnesty, which ran from 24 May to 28 June, was not enough to reduce knife-related crimes.

He said automatic prison sentences should be considered for those found carrying pointed knives.

'Effective deterrents'

Mr Craik said: "The campaign means more than 2,500 knives are now out of circulation in the Northumbria region.

"It also sends out the message that we are prepared to take whatever action we can to reduce the risk of harm from knives.

"Amnesties alone, however, are not enough to make a real change in the culture of knife carrying.

"That will require more effective deterrents, including certain imprisonment for those convicted of carrying pointed knives in public."

Almost 18,000 weapons were handed in nationally during the amnesty.