A JUNIOR school praised pupils for alerting staff to classmates reportedly bringing in knives.

Three children at King’s Ford School, in Gloucester Avenue, Colchester, believed to be aged ten, were found with what the school described as “prohibited items”.

Concerned parents say the items were knives.

Bruce Tuxford, chairman of governors, said the youngsters brought in the items to show friends, and insisted staff did not believe the children intended to use them.

Pupils told a teacher they believed their classmates had the items in their bags.

Mr Tuxford said: “We were pleased with the reaction from children.

“They are encouraged to come to teachers, which they did.

“It shows we’ve got a good ethos in the school."

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