A campaign to ban the sale of knives to under 18s has been launched by The Gazette in Blackpool.

The initiative follows an investigation by the paper which showed how readily available knives are on the resort's streets.

Under current law it is illegal to sell knives to under-16s - but the Gazette wants the Government to increase that age to 18.

It found that knives were on sale in Blackpool for as little as £2.

And it says that although their sale is perfectly legal, a national survey of shopkeepers revealed almost half those questioned would sell knives to children under 16.

The Gazette's campaign has already received the backing of one of the resort's most senior police officers and trading standards chiefs.

Supt Andy Rhodes, of Blackpool police, said: "We would support any tightening of the controls on the sale of dangerous weapons including knives."

And Trading Standards team leader for Blackpool, Tim Coglan, added: "This is an appeal that we would support 100 per cent, the reason being we are particularly keen on any provision relating to anti-social behaviour.

"Young people acting in an appropriate way with bladed instruments in an ever increasing problem. We are continuing to work ever closely with the police and trading standards welcomes The Gazette's campaign to increase the legal age from 16 to 18."

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