REDBRIDGE'S longest-serving headteacher has backed the use of knife arches in the borough's schools after a police roll-out during which thousands of pupils have been scanned for weapons.

Dr Paul Doherty, of Trinity Catholic High School, in Woodford Green, said the use of the metal detecting devices in schools across Redbridge - highlighted this month as part of a new anti-knife crime awareness campaign - has helped make youngsters feel more safe and secure in the classroom.

The importance of the campaign - which has included the performance of a special anti-knife play in schools - was brought home recently when three Wanstead High School students were stabbed during a fight in the High Street on November 2.

Dr Doherty, one of Redbridge's most respected teachers, said that far from impinging on the civil liberties of schoolchildren, the knife detector - which was used at Trinity on Wednesday (November 25) - has actually made many feel freer.

He said: "Our first priority is the safety and security of our pupils, and the presence of the knife arch has been welcomed by many of them.

"The children shared a tremendous amount of good humour with the police when they visited, and I think many have been reassured by the fact that they are being so proactive about this issue.

"This is all about attitudes, and the presence of the arch shows those who are considering carrying a knife that they will be found out.

"We all go through checks like this when we go to the airport. It's a small price to pay to ensure the safety of children."

His views have been borne out by figures from neighbouring Waltham Forest where no illegal knives have been discovered in schools since police began touring the borough with a knife arch earlier this year.

Dr Doherty said: "No school can afford to be smug or complacent about knife crime.

"It's something that needs to be constantly monitored."

Borough Commander Peter Terry said: "When children know they are in a safe, knife-free environment they are less likely to choose to carry a knife themselves.

"We only deploy the knife arch with the agreement of schools."