ALMOST 140 guns, together with hundreds of rounds of ammunition, have been handed in to police in North Yorkshire.

The weapons were given up as part the force’s latest firearms amnesty, which lasted from November 1 to 16.

The firearms handed in included 52 shotguns, 33 air weapons, seven rifles and even a gun disguised as a walking cane.

Some 628 rounds of ammunition and 417 shotgun cartridges were also given up.

The amnesty was part of a national initiative to take guns out of circulation and remind people of new legislation.

Under previous law those given a custodial prison sentenced of three months or more, were prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

The new law extends that prohibition to people who are given suspended prison sentences of three months or more. It also now applies to antique firearms.

The force’s head of firearms and explosives licensing, Dave Coutts said: “We are very pleased with the response to the amnesty.

“Some 137 weapons are now out of circulation which could have led to serious consequences had they gotten into the wrong hands.”