TWO ancient pistols could be back in their rightful home if North Yorkshire Police give their approval.

The pistols belong to Ripon City Council, which wants to display them along with treasured civic regalia at the Town Hall.

They were taken to Harrogate by the borough council for safe-keeping several years ago and remain under lock and key.

Now, Ripon city councillors have decided it is time to have them back.

Councillors believe they are part of the local heritage, although so far no one has been able to put an exact date on the weapons.

City council clerk Yvonne Covell said before Ripon could put them on display it needed to check with the police that they were able to do so.

Because of recent legislation, which has tightened up the keeping of weapons, councillors are keen not to be breaking the law by putting the guns on public show without police blessing.

"We do not know how the pistols came into the council's possession, but councillors have been keen for some time to see them return to the city, if that is possible. But, of course, we don't want to be breaking any laws by having them on show," said Mrs Covell.