STUDENTS carrying knives in schools is not a problem in York and North Yorkshire according to the county's new chief constable.

Grahame Maxwell, the chief constable of North Yorkshire Police, said: "Fortunately knife crime in schools is not on our agenda in North Yorkshire and the city of York, but I want to make sure it doesn't happen here.

"I think everyone's got a role to play in achieving that goal and I think parents should let their children know it's not acceptable to carry knives or bladed items."

Mr Maxwell's comments came as the Government revealed teachers now have the power to search pupils for knives and offensive weapons without consent as part of a drive to ensure schools continue to be safe and secure places to learn.

The new power, which has now come into force, comes alongside the ability for schools to screen pupils for violent weapons using devices such as arches and "wand" metal detectors.

Education and Skills Secretary Alan Johnson said: "Every child has the right to learn in a secure and safe environment.

"Fortunately, knife incidents in schools are extremely rare and the majority of schools will not need to use these measures."