People in possession of 'zombie-style' knives and machetes have been urged to hand them in before a ban comes into force.

Hexham is one of the Northumberland towns where people can hand in their weapons at police stations.

From September 24, it will be illegal to own these weapons, which are described as bladed articles with a plain cutting edge, a sharp pointed end, and a blade over eight inches long.

It will also have one or more of the following features; a serrated cutting edge, more than one hole in the blade, spikes, more than two sharp points, and a sharp point on the cutting edge of the blade near the handle.

People can surrender these weapons at police stations until September 23, with the opportunity to claim £10 compensation per weapon surrendered.

Superintendent Scott Cowie, of Northumbria Police's prevention department, said: "These types of weapons are incredibly dangerous and this move is an important one in removing them from society.

"As a force, we are committed to tackling knife crime and reducing the devastating impact it causes in our communities among victims and their families and loved ones."

Surrender bins for unwanted knives, including 'zombie-style' knives, will be set up at 10 police stations in the Northumbria Police force area for anonymous submissions.

People are encouraged to contact their nearby police station for advice on how to bring in their weapons safely and securely.

Supt Cowie said: "I would urge anyone who is in possession of one of these zombie-style weapons to arrange to hand it over during the coming weeks and visit one of our stations to do so.

"Once the deadline has passed, anyone found to be in possession of these weapons should be expect to face serious consequences, which could include time in prison."

For more information on the scheme, people can visit the Home Office website or go to the Northumbria Police website.

Places within the Northumbria Police force area with surrender bins include Southwick in Sunderland, Millbank in South Shields, Gateshead, Newcastle, Wallsend, and various towns in Northumberland including Hexham.