Eight 'knife surrender surgeries' are set to be rolled out across Cheshire thanks to a successful trial project between Cheshire Police and Sigma Waste.

Last November as part of Operation Sceptre, PCSO Tony Spruce approached Cheshire company, Sigma Waste. They agreed to provide bins for convenience stores and community centres across Warrington where people could deposit knives that might otherwise have fallen into the wrong hands.

During a successful two week trial, over 500 knives were handed in across the town, with many residents using the surgeries to engage with officers about issues in their communities.

PCSO Tony Spruce said: "While knife surrender bins are not a new idea, they’re usually placed in police stations which means that they rely on people taking time out to visit the stations and dispose of any unwanted knifes.

"The idea behind the surrender surgeries is that they’re located in the heart of the community. All told we received more than 500 knives through the surrender surgeries – ranging from a World War 1 bayonet to a butchers knife."

Natalie Kirkby, from Sigma Waste, said: "As a local Warrington business, Sigma Waste is honoured to be a part of the ‘fight against knife crime scheme’ alongside Cheshire Police.

"Having seen the success achieved in Warrington, we have also had enquiries from both the Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police about potentially introducing the scheme in their areas."

Cheshire is now the second lowest force in the country for knife crime, but they are not congratulating themselves.

Chief Inspector Sarah Heath said: "We have seen real success in this area, but despite this we must not be content and knife crime will continue to be a priority for us as we are all well aware of the devastating impact it has on our communities."