The dangers of guns and knives will be highlighted in a new education pack to be used in schools.

The interactive pack, which took Kent Police two years to develop, targets three year groups - 10-11 year olds leaving primary school, 13-14 year olds and 15-year-olds.

Teachers will benefit from a set of comprehensive teaching plans and lesson materials as well as a group exercise with accompanying table and floor game boards.

Pupils will also watch a DVD film made with the help of Kent Police firearms officers and students from a Kent school.

Up to 700 schools around the county could benefit, as well as other groups involving young people.

The pack aims to get young people to make decisions based on different circumstances and to develop discussions.

Youth Crime Reduction Officer PC Martin Carter said: “In Kent, the numbers of incidents involving guns and knives are low, especially within schools. This education package has been produced to help prevent any problems happening in the future.

“It was also developed to encourage classroom discussions on the problems with guns and knives and to highlight the potential severe consequences to those who become involved in this type of violent crime.”

The project involved a number of partners including Kent Police, St George's School in Gravesend, Charlton Athletic Community Scheme and other partners in Kent and Medway.

The launch will be held on Monday January 12 at the Kent Police College during a seminar held to raise awareness of the issues to professionals working with young people.

Chief Constable of Kent Police, Michael Fuller said: “Through this pack we aim to educate young people about the risks associated with the possession of weapons and their involvement with groups and gangs. Ultimately we want to reduce the possibility that young people in Kent will carry or use weapons.”

Chair of the Kent Police Authority Ann Barnes said: “'I am a teacher myself and to have lesson plans off the shelf is brilliant. This is something all teachers will be grateful for.”