The Walkabout nightclub was one of those using the detectors

Hundreds of clubbers had to walk through the detectors on Friday and Saturday night before being let in.

Police and doormen were on duty checking the detectors to ensure no-one carried knives into clubs.

The operation was carried out as part of the knife amnesty which has been introduced throughout the UK.

The Walkabout and Clubnite clubs were using the metal detectors, and collection bins were placed in the city centre to let people surrender any weapons.

Speaking before the operation, Insp Talbot Thrush said: "We are working closely with the nightclubs, who are fully supportive of this initiative.

The knife amnesty is likely to go on until the end of July

"We hope it will encourage those who carry knives on a night out in the city, for whatever reason, to dispose of them safely.

"If they don't and they are foolish enough attempt to get into one of the clubs, they will have their weapon seized, details taken and refused entry to the club. Any enforcement action will be carried out at a later date."

Insp Terry Davies, who is co-ordinating the Gwent Police operation, said: "The response to the national knife amnesty in Gwent has been very good with over 1,000 knives, swords and other dangerous sharp or pointed weapons off the streets.

"We are very pleased that members of our communities have responded so positively and we urge people to continue to use this opportunity to hand in their weapons.

"The Newport campaign is another example of our commitment to reducing this category of crime."