MORE than 110 firearms have been handed in during the first week of North Yorkshire Police’s weapons amnesty.

Forces across the country are taking part in the national firearms surrender which is being co-ordinated by the National Ballistics Intelligence Service.

The surrender, which began on November 13 and runs until November 26, gives members of the public the chance to dispose of a firearm or ammunition by simply taking it to a local designated police station and handing it in anonymously.

In North Yorkshire, and the wider Yorkshire and Humberside region, police are also accepting other weapons including knives, ammunition and other offensive weapons.

By the end of Sunday, 113 firearms, nine non-firearm weapons and a large amount of ammunition have been handed in across North Yorkshire. The firearms include two handguns, 31 shotguns, 55 imitation handguns / air pistols, 18 air rifles, three section one firearms, one ‘other’ replica weapons, one antique firearm, one gun used in connection with animal slaughter and one shotgun disguised as a walking stick.

In addition, North Yorkshire Police has received two ornamental swords, six knives and a cross-bow.

Sergeant Dave France, of North Yorkshire Police, said: "We’ve had a really good response to the surrender so far with a wide range of firearms, ammunition and other weapons being handed in at our police stations across North Yorkshire.

"At this rate we’re on course to pass the total of firearms handed in during the 2014 surrender.

"I would still urge anyone who is in possession of gun and other weapons to surrender them to the police safely and anonymously.

"Each weapon we retrieve reduces the chances of it ending up in the hands of criminals and has the potential to save a life."

Guns, weapons and ammunition can be handed in to police at the following stations: Fulford Road in York, Selby, Malton, Harrogate, Scarborough, Skipton, Richmond and at the North Yorkshire Police headquarters in Northallerton.

Anyone who knows someone involved with illegal firearms or other offensive weapons should phone police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.