A First World War bayonet and a pair of wallpaper shears are among items handed to police in the first week of a weapons amnesty.

About 12 items have been presented at Brighton and Hove police stations, including two hunting knives, a flexible cosh and a letter-opener.

While the numbers are lower than hoped for, police are not disappointed.

Superintendent Peter Coll said: "They can all be lethal weapons and I am happy they are all no longer in circulation.

"If this results in just one less act of violence or one less injury then the campaign has proven worthwhile."

The amnesty, launched on July 18, runs for six weeks and was prompted by a rise in crime involving knives.

There were 11 recorded in February 1999 but the same month this year saw 40.

The campaign involves extra stop searches by police of suspects in searches by police of suspects in city streets.

Mr Coll said: "People carrying knives on a Friday and Saturday night in the streets are committing offences.

"They should realise if they should get involved in a fight then the weapons could be turned on them.

"We will not tolerate knives and blades on our streets and we are determined to catch those who carry them.

"Hand them in now before we catch you."