Special bins have been set up in police stations

The scheme is being run by Cleveland Police after figures showed a rise in incidents involving knives and sharp instruments in the force's area.

People are being urged to hand over firearms, ammunition, knives and swords to help combat violent crime.

It is being backed by Barbara Dunne, whose son Robert was killed with a samurai sword, and Theresa Cave, whose son Christopher was stabbed to death.

Cleveland Chief Constable Sean Price said he wanted to reduce the number of weapons which could potentially be used in a vicious attack.

He said they were specifically targeting knives, swords and other bladed instruments.

Robert Dunne died from a single wound

He said: "The continuing culture of young people carrying knives 'for their own protection' can result in disastrous consequences."

Incidents involving guns and air weapons fell from 40 in 2003 to 31 in 2005.

But knife incidents rose by 73.8% from 111 in 2003 to 193 in 2005 and incidents involving sharp weapons from 27 in 2003 to 34 in 2005.

Robert Dunne was stabbed with a samurai sword near his home in Middlesbrough in January 2003.

Mrs Dunne has campaigned to have bladed weapons banned in the UK.

Christopher Cave, 17, died after being stabbed in June 2003 in a flat in Redcar.

Mrs Cave said: "I feel strongly about the need for change in young people's attitudes to carrying knives."

From Monday, every police building with a public enquiry counter will have a secure bin where bladed weapons can be handed in.

Firearms or ammunition should be taken to Hartlepool, Stockton, Middlesbrough or Redcar main police offices.