Almost 90,000 knives were handed in during the five-week national amnesty that ended last month.

The Home Office said exactly 89,864 blades were handed in to police stations across England and Wales between 24 May and 30 June in response to the campaign.

Among the weapons deposited in sealed red bins were cut-throat razors, samurai swords, axes, machetes, meat cleavers and an 1880 bayonet.

Surprised police officers in Devon and Cornwall even took receipt of a M72 lightweight anti-armour rocket launcher.

Government Minister Vernon Coaker said he was "delighted" with the figures and insisted that the public could feel "more secure" with less knives on the streets.

But today's figures follow criticism of Government policy and a survey that showed police had recorded almost 100 serious or fatal knife attacks during the five weeks.

The Home Office said it was now making available £500,000 to forces in England and Wales to tackle the issue through school education programmes and special police operations.

Tony Melville, of the Association of Chief Police Officers, commented: "Every knife that is taken off our streets is one that cannot be used to kill, maim or intimidate."

The Press Association poll released on the last day of the amnesty revealed that there were a total of 91 serious knife attacks in England and Wales from May 24 to June 30, including 19 fatal stabbings.

Campaigners welcomed the amnesty figures but said more still needed to be done to tackle the problem.

Dee Edwards, who is the co-founder of Mothers Against Murder And Aggression, said: "Nobody ever believed that hardened criminals were going to hand their weapons in but I think the figures are very positive."