A SOUTHAMPTON school has backed the Daily Echo's campaign to rid the city's streets of knives.

Pupils and staff have put up posters with the campaign slogan Carrying a blade - it's not sharp' throughout Millbrook Community School.

The school's support comes in the same week that the man poised to become prime minister, Gordon Brown, praised the campaign.

Knife crime Pat Kerley, head of health, social care and citizenship at the Green Lane school, which is next year recommended for closure, said: "Knife crime is a topic of conversation among many of our year ten boys.

"It has become a part of what pupils talk about. The matter is made worse because there is no legislation on having not just knives, but any sharp instruments.

"There is also a fear among youngsters that because so many people carry knives it is necessary to have one for protection.

"I welcome the Daily Echo campaign because it's important that we are all aware of the problem of knife crime and work together to do something about it."

The campaign was launched last month following the fatal stabbing of Lewis Singleton on March 31 in Southampton and of Dele Little, 15, in Totton in February.

n Would your school like to back our anti-knife crime campaign? If so call the newsdesk on 023 8042 4522 or e-mail newsdesk@dailyecho.co.uk.