A MAN will be sentenced by a judge later this week following the biggest ever seizure of illegal firearms in Cumbria.

Paul Holmes, 50, appeared at Carlisle Crown Court today (MON) and entered guilty pleas to 12 crimes. These relate to the possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition. Holmes had previously admitted two other similar offences.

Around a dozen illegally-held shotguns, rifles and pistols were seized from a house in Holme and a farm outbuilding in Milnthorpe on 4th November.

These were discovered during a joint operation carried out by Titan - the North-West's regional organised crime unit - Cumbria Police and the National Crime Agency.

Also included in the arms cache were more than 2,000 rounds of ammunition - some of it expanding.

Judge Peter Davies adjourned the case until Thursday when Holmes, of Station Road, Holme, is set to learn his fate.

However, Judge Davies told him: "You must expect a custodial sentence."

Holmes was remanded in custody until then.