Police have taken away two machetes found abandoned in an alley next to a primary school.

The weapons were discovered this morning by three 10-year-old boys on their way to Halfway Houses Primary School at Minster, Sheppey.

The trio reported their find to teachers who immediately called in police.

Head teacher Ryan Driver said: "We are very proud of the actions of all three boys.

"They were very sensible and immediately reported their find to a member of staff.

"They knew those knives didn't belong out there.

"Because of their action this morning two machetes have been taken off the street.

"Our pupils' actions could have saved lives. We are calling them our Halfway Heroes."

It was Kieran and Tate who first stumbled on the knives and then told pal Jenson who advised them to tell the teachers.

Kieran said: "We were taking a short-cut down an alley on the way to school when I saw something shining in the grass.

"When I looked down I could see a couple of handles and then the machetes.

"I showed them to Jenson because I didn't know what to do and he said we should tell the teachers."

The lads reported their find to Year Six teacher Mrs Emma Everitt who alerted pastoral support worker Debbie Spocchia who tracked down the knives with site manager David Cooper.

The pair scooped up the weapons into a plastic bag and then called police.

A police spokesman said: "We received a report that two knives had been found in an alleyway off Danley Road, Minster, at 8.53am today.

"Officers have attended and collected the items.

"Anyone who uncovers items of this nature, or anything else that they suspect could be used in a criminal offence, should call Kent Police on 101."