CHILDREN at schools across Southampton are to be taught about the dangers of carrying imitation guns and knives.

Dozens of pupils were due to gather today for the launch of the Firearms and Knife Education (FAKE) programme.

The campaign, which is already up and running in other parts of the county, teaches youngsters about the danger of imitation weapons through a series of educational packages.

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It was created because almost 70 per cent of all firearms-related incidents police respond to involved fake guns and air weapons.

Since its introduction, the force has seen a 23 per cent reduction in firearms deployments and an 11 per cent reduction in knife crime.

It comes as the Daily Echo continues its campaign in conjunction with Hampshire police, called Operation Sharp, which aims to encourage children not to carry knives.

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 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.

The FAKE campaign has already been delivered to 27,000 young people since its national launch two years ago.