A SWORD which has been gathering dust for more than 50 years has been returned to Durham Police after being used to reopen a neighbourhood office.

The ceremonial weapon, which belongs to 91-year-old John Thompson, from Durham, was used to reopen Framwellgate Moor police station.

Mr Thompson, from Neville’s Cross, decided to donate the sword, thought to have belonged to a former chief constable, to Durham Police after having a clear-out at home.

He said: “It’s been in the family since the 1930s and my father handed it to me 55 years ago. It’s been in a cupboard in my house ever since.

“When it so happened that my wife said to get rid of it I phoned the police and asked them to come and collect it."

He added: "I believe its history lies with Durham Constabulary and I am returning it back where I think it belongs."

The sword is believed to have belonged to William George Morant, who was Durham’s chief constable between 1902 and 1922.

An identical weapon appears in a portrait of Mr Morant hanging at police headquarters in Aykley Heads.

It is not known how it came into the possession of Mr Thompson’s father, Harry, who was a special constable during the Second World War.

Mr Thompson attended the opening ceremony with his wife Joan and used the sword to cut the ribbon, watched by six members of “mini police” from Blue Coat, St Godric’s and Finchale primary schools.

The new-look station, which has been under going refurbishment since November, opened today (Wednesday, April 27).

The building is now shared with Graham Asset Management.

Steve Watson, Durham Police’s deputy chief constable, said: “We’re really pleased to be reopening this particular police office. In times of austerity we have to look very carefully at our buildings on the basis of what we can afford to keep.

“There was a time we thought this building was a little large for our needs and we thought we might have to move out but we have come to an agreement to share the facility which means we can keep this building.”

Sergeant Mark Mallatrant said: “The refurbishment of the Framwellgate Moor office cements our position within the heart of the community.

“Durham constabulary is committed to keeping neighbourhood policing teams firmly within the neighbourhoods they serve.”

The sword will now go on display, along with other police memorabilia, at police headquarters.