Bench fashioned from surrendered knives and swords

A bench made by engineering apprentices from knives surrendered in a weapons amnesty has been installed as part of efforts to raise awareness about the impact of knife crime.

The "swords-into-plowshares" artefact at Blackburn Cathedral was created using 127 knives collected from surrender bins. They were converted into the bench by apprentices at a local engineering company, WEC Group Ltd.

The large bench is being used as a major exhibit in the city as part of Knife Crime Awareness Week.

Sgt Mick Johnson, from Lancashire Police, said: "Turning something as dangerous as a knife into a place for reflection has been a really moving experience for all involved."

The young apprentices led the design and manufacturing process.

WEC Group academy manager Kris Mercer said the group had been exploring "the realities of knife crime, both nationally and within our own communities here in Lancashire".

He added: "Rather than just talking about the issue, our apprentices took meaningful action.

"They designed and built a powerful piece - a bench constructed from a patchwork of surrendered knives and swords."

Sgt Johnson added: "These knives represent choices that could have led to tragedy. Instead, they are now a place where people can stop, think, and remember the impact these weapons have.

"Having young apprentices involved in the build was a deliberate choice.

"It is important young people don't just hear about knife crime – they are part of the solution."

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