These are some of the 2,000 sharp objects being confiscated each day from passengers at Gatwick before they are allowed to board flights.

In the wake of the US terrorist hijackings air travellers have been banned from carrying anything in their hand luggage that could be used as a weapon.

Everything from knitting needles to cutlery and metal-pronged Afro combs is being confiscated.

Posters around the airport warn passengers of items which will not be allowed in hand luggage. Security staff are walking through queues of waiting passengers reinforcing the message.

A Gatwick spokeswoman said: "People are being very understanding and supportive of additional security measures.

"Most of the items being confiscated are everyday things such as manicure sets, bottle top openers, corkscrews and nail clippers. A lot of them are things people might not have realised were banned items when packing."

Such articles are not being allowed in hand luggage but can be packed inside suitcases going into the plane's luggage hold., said the spokeswoman.

Confiscated items are being destroyed in an environmentally friendly way, she added.

The spokeswoman urged passengers not to arrive before the time stated by their airlines.

She said: "We are getting people arriving five or six hours before check-in and they are adding to the congestion."