The Crimestoppers service allows people to pass on information on who is carrying knives by sending a text to the special hotline on 88551.

The charity said computer software will guarantee the mobile phone user's complete anonymity.

It is to be piloted in Grampian before being rolled out to other regions of the country. It works by people providing only essential information about the name or nickname of the person carrying the knife and the area or postcode where the offence happened.

The texts will be charged at standard network rates.