PUMP-ACTION shotguns, pistols, ammunition and a World War Two semi-automatic rifle were handed in during a gun amnesty.

Durham Constabulary gave people in the county the chance to surrender firearms that may have become illegal following a change in the law.

From Saturday, November 8 to Sunday, November 16 anyone handing in a firearm, ammunition, replica or imitation gun at a police station would not face prosecution for illegal possession.

The amnesty covered not just firearms but knives and other items classed as weapons.

Twenty-four firearms were handed in, including air weapons, two ball bearing guns and three starting pistols.

Dozens of cartridges, shotgun shells and rounds of ammunition were also given up, along with a crossbow and cans of incapacitant spray.

The haul also included a muzzle-loading shotgun, handed in by an 86-year-old man who said it had belonged to his grandfather, a late Victorian pocket revolver and an M1 semi-automatic rifle of the type issued to American GI’s in the Second World War.

Chief Inspector Graham Milne, who co-ordinated the amnesty, said: “It has been very successful and very well-received by the people of County Durham and Darlington.

“It has given people the opportunity to hand in weapons and items of curiosity that have come into their possession.

“It has also given us the opportunity to remove potentially harmful items from the streets.

“There was a lady in South West County Durham, an actress, who had a small revolver that was used as a stage prop, but it was still a firearm.

“There was a gentleman who handed in a muzzle-loading shotgun – the kind where you put the black powder down and then the pellet and some webbing.

“He was 86 but it was owned by his grandfather.

“There has been a change in legislation which meant that the possession of some antique things that had been lawful in the past, is now illegal.

“We don’t want anyone to fall foul of the law innocently, not realising the law has changed.”

The surrendered weapons will be melted down.

Forces across the country have held a similar amnesty.