A ceremonial knife handed in to police during a weapon amnesty has been presented to the Queen's Gurkha Engineers.

The Kukri knife is the regimental blade of the Gurkhas and is traditionally used as both a tool and a weapon in Nepal.

Maidstone police were stunned when it was handed in during an amnesty in May 2006.

It was initially given to Maidstone Museum as part of an educational display.

But it was discovered that it belonged to a Gurkha soldier from the 1st Battalion of the Prince of Wales Own Gurkha Rifles.

On Monday it was presented to the Gurkhas of Maidstone's Invicta Barracks in tribute to their bravery, and to mark the Hindu festival of Dashain.

Ch Supt Alasdair Hope, who presented the knife, said: "We felt that it was right and proper that this knife be returned to its military family, especially considering its historical significance.

"The British Police Service and the Armed Services are rich in both tradition and history. One of the ways in which this history is preserved is through equipment, which can be traced back to key historical events.

"The item of equipment which is known worldwide as a Gurkha weapon, is the Kukri. I imagine that this weapon will secure an important place both in British history and especially in the traditions and hearts of the Gurkha soldiers. I am proud to be able to return the knife to the Queen’s Gurkha Engineers and strengthen further still, the excellent relationship between our two forces.”