Amnesty boxes are being put in town centre pubs and clubs in Hastings to allow customers to deposit knives and drugs.

The metal boxes, fitted to the wall, will allow revellers in Hastings to get rid of the items without fear of arrest.

The scheme aims to reduce possession of weapons and drugs and to counter violence and drug-related crime in the resort.

Door staff and licensees will also be equipped with hand-held metal detectors tomorrow night to search people as they enter.

The scheme is being introduced following a successful pilot initiative in Eastbourne.

There officers were the first in the country to use hand-held metal detectors in line with extended stop-and-search powers.

Amnesty boxes for drugs and weapons have also been introduced in six Eastbourne town centre clubs and three pubs.