A FLYPAST will mark the launch of a police firearm and knife education campaign for schools in Southampton.

Dozens of students from across the city will gather today for the launch of the Firearms and Knife Education (FAKE) programme.

The campaign teaches youngsters about the danger of imitation weapons through a series of educational packages.

FAKE campaign founder Inspector Elliot Brown said: "The roll-out to Southampton is a natural progression of this programme and not based on any specific threat or problem.

"We are giving the opportunity to every school within the city of Southampton to participate in this educational campaign, and we are delighted with the response so far."

The programme, already been rolled out in Eastleigh and Portsmouth, will be launched at Hampshire Police's training headquarters at Netley with a flypast from a police spotter plane and a police dog display.