SCORES of weapons have been handed in during the first week of a national firearms surrender.

North Yorkshire Police have taken in 113 firearms, nine non-firearm weapons and a large amount of ammunition.

This includes two handguns, 31 shotguns, 55 imitation handguns/air pistols, 18 air rifles, three section 1 firearms, one replica weapon and one antique firearm.

Officers also took one gun used in connection with an animal slaughter and one shotgun disguised as a walking stick.

The non-firearm weapons include two ornamental swords, six knives and a crossbow.

Forces across the country are taking part in the surrender, which is being co-ordinated by the National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NABIS).

It gives members of the public the chance to dispose of a firearm or ammunition by taking it to a designated police station and handing it in anonymously.

Sergeant Dave France, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “We’ve had a really good response to the surrender so far with a wide range of firearms, ammunition and other weapons being handed in at our police stations.

"At this rate we’re on course to pass the total of firearms handed in during the 2014 surrender.”

Durham and Northumbria forces are yet to release a breakdown of the figures.

Three days into the surrender, Cleveland Police reported a revolver, six shotguns, ammunition and some component parts had been handed in.

Sgt France added: “I would still urge anyone who is in possession of guns and other weapons to surrender them to the police safely and anonymously.

“Each weapon we retrieve reduces the chances of it ending up in the hands of criminals and has the potential to save a life.”

In the North Yorkshire area, guns, weapons and ammunition can be surrendered at Richmond, Malton, Harrogate, Scarborough, Fulford Road (York), Selby and Skipton Police Station, as well as North Yorkshire Police Headquarters in Northallerton.

  • If you know of anyone involved with illegal firearms or other weapons, call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.