GUN owners in North Yorkshire will be able to apply for or renew their firearms licence at a leading country fair as part of a new initiative by the police.

Officers from North Yorkshire Police’s firearms and explosives licensing department have teamed up with the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) to share a stand at the Yorkshire Game and Country Fair.

Officers from North Yorkshire Police’s Firearms and Explosives Licensing Dave Coutts, who heads the department, said: "The team will be available to give advice to anyone on firearms licensing issues and will deal with the grant, renewal and variation of certificates from residents of North Yorkshire.

"This is an innovative way for members of the public to apply for a firearms licence and follows on from similar, successful road-shows we have held in partnership with the BASC.

"Previous events have been very well received by gun owners and we value the opportunity to engage with our customers at events like this. Face-to-face contact helps to improve customer relationships, ensuring we deliver the best possible service we can."

The fair takes place at Harewood House near Leeds between May 29 and 30.