A two-week awareness campaign has begun in Ashford to warn young people about the dangers of carrying knives.

Officers, Police Community Support Officers and Volunteer Police Cadets will visit a number of schools, colleges and youth clubs in the area between Monday, February 5 and Friday, February 16.

They will be providing talks, sharing stories and encouraging young people to make better life choices with the aim to promote safety in the district, reduce knife crime and associated offences and tackle anti-social behaviour.

There will also be an opportunity for school children and students to ask questions.

Chief Inspector Andrew Somerville said: "Kent Police is committed to tackling knife crime and removing dangerous weapons such as knives from our communities.

"The aim of this specific campaign is to help educate young people by further raising awareness of the dangers of carrying knives and highlight some of the serious repercussions and devastating consequences of doing so."

He continued: "We will not be complacent when it comes to knife crime and it is important that we work with youngsters at an early age as carrying knives can never become socially acceptable and it is more likely they will get hurt or arrested than stay safe.

"Our officers will also be visiting popular areas of Ashford, where we know large groups of young people congregate, and will continue to build a strong relationship with them and others in our community.

"We will also be working with partner agencies to identify any vulnerable individuals who are at risk and need to be signposted to the most appropriate support."

People in Ashford will see posters and leaflets on display, which promote the anti-knife campaign, in various retail outlets including shops that sell knives.

Officers will be on hand to answer questions and provide information in County Square on Thursday 15 and Friday 16 February from 9.30am.