THE Government is providing £250,000 to help communities tackle gun and knife crime following a knife amnesty hailed in Cheshire as a success.

A fund, originally launched in May 2004 and now in its fifth round of bids, is inviting applications for grants of up to £5,000 to help educate and divert young people away from gun or knife crime and gang culture.

Money from the Connected Fund will be made available to groups working in areas hardest hit by gun and knife crime to help fund new initiatives and support ongoing local schemes.

Projects include sport and music activities, as well as supporting victims and mentoring projects. The closing date for bids is August 4.

Cheshire Police say there has been a tremendous response in the county to the national knife amnesty which ends tomorrow.

An astonishing assortment of bladed weapons has been handed in at police stations across the area.

Now the force wants to hear what the public has to say about the amnesty.

A Cheshire Police spokesman said: "We would like to hear your views on the amnesty.

"We have set up a special form on our website to enable you to air your views.

"Do you think it's a good idea? Has it helped to stop knife crime? Do you have a better solution to the issue? Have you been personally affected by knife crime?"

The website address is www.cheshire.police.uk, where there is a link on the front page to the knife amnesty pages and the online form.

If anyone wishes to dispose of blades, police advise to pack them in cardboard or similar material and securely fasten the parcel with tape to ensure other people's safety on route to the amnesty bins. Amnesty bins are located in police stations and other public buildings.