CAMPAIGNERS calling for tougher laws on airguns were left disappointed after the issue failed to make it into the Queen's Speech.

A number of North-East MPs have led a year-long campaign to persuade the government to introduce law reforms to stop the lethal weapons being used by anyone under the age of 17.

Mark and Wendy Sheffield lost their 14-year-old son, Matthew, when his friend, Daryl Allison, shot him in the head with an airgun.

The couple, from Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, said the Government should take the blame if someone else is killed by an air weapon.

Mr Sheffield said: "They have had the opportunity to think about it and do something about it in a Private Members Bill, and if they let it fail they have failed to do their duty. If someone else dies then it is on their heads. Tony Blair recently said it was at the top of the Government's agenda - the chance to prove this has now gone.

"We understand that policing new age restrictions or licensing would be difficult, but the fact tougher laws are brought in would send out a strong message. Kids under 17 know they shouldn't drive a car, so why not have the same rule for owning lethal weapons?"

Dari Taylor, MP for Stockton South, described the issue's omission from the speech as disappointing.

"There is a Crime and Justice Bill in the next White Paper, to be introduced next year, and I fully expect new age restrictions to be on it. I am confident that the pressure will tell," she said.

A Home Office spokesman said measures to deal with the distribution of the nation's four million airguns would be introduced soon.