Police on Teesside have started a force-wide weapons amnesty in an attempt to rid the streets of guns, knives, and other dangerous weapons.

The two-week Cleveland Police campaign begins on Monday and follows on from a successful drive aimed at air rifles in the Loftus area earlier this summer.

Collecting bins will be set up at police stations where people can leave weapons with no questions asked.

Chief Superintendent John Kelly, Langbaurgh District Commander, said: "The campaign in East Cleveland proved there are some deadly weapons in the public domain.

'Lethal weapons'

"Even though that campaign was aimed primarily at air rifles, a loaded pistol, a shotgun with a cut down stock for use by poachers and an antique derringer were just some of the items handed in.

"It is surprising, but a stark reality, that many law-abiding people have lethal weapons that have been lying around their homes for many years."

The more historic items will be made safe and handed to local museums.

Mr Kelly said: "This is a chance for everybody in Cleveland to clear out their homes and safely dump such items, especially those war-time souvenirs which can prove to be particularly deadly.

"We also have to remember that air guns, seen by many people as toys, are anything but.

School visits

"They are deadly weapons and, wherever possible, we want to see them removed from the streets."

Checks will be carried out on all weapons handed in to ensure they are safe.

Posters advertising the amnesty will be displayed throughout Cleveland.

Other initiatives to promote the campaign will include school visits to talk to young people about the dangers of guns and the misuse of weapons.