POLICE have praised a group of young boys who handed in a dangerous knife they found on the street.

The four boys, aged about 11 years-old, were in Thirsk town centre on Sunday when they found a 3-inch lock knife.

They took it straight to the police station and one of the officers who spoke to the boys, PC Lydia Dunn, said the force was "extremely impressed" with them for doing the right thing.

She added: “The lads had a calm and mature approach despite their young age, safety of others was clearly important to them and they have potentially prevented harm to others.

"I think it’s important for us to recognise the boys for their actions and I hope that it will encourage others to do the same if they ever find themselves in a similar situation having found a weapon.”