A WEBSITE offering advice on firearms has been set up by Cleveland Police.

The force's firearms licensing unit has compiled the site, which features advice on storing and transporting firearms safely and how to deactivateor sell a gun without breaking the law.

People wishing to apply for a gun licence can download the forms from the site - at www.cleveland.police.uk - and find information on fees.

Cleveland Police currently licenses nine registered firearms dealers, 735 firearm certificate holders, 1,779 shotgun certificate holders and 161 explosives certificate holders.

PC George Ditchburn, firearms licensing officer, said: "There is sometimes confusion about firearms - particularly after recent legislation - and we aim to use the site to provide accurate, up-to-date information in an easily accessible format."