CUMBRIA Constabulary is to hold a county-wide firearms surrender.

It gives people a chance to dispose of any unlawfully-held or unwanted firearms and ammunition.

The surrender is taking place from July 20 (this Saturday) to August 4.

Those handing over weapons during that period will not face prosecution for the illegal possession at the point of surrender, and can remain anonymous.

Members of the public can also hand in items that have the potential to be converted - such as antique guns, blank firing replicas and imitations.

Illegal possession of a firearm can lead to five years in prison, and a life sentence if a person is found guilty with intent to supply.

Chief inspector Andrew Wilkinson said: "This surrender provides an opportunity to those who possess firearms, ammunition and other weapons to hand these into police.

“The last surrender of weapons in this county was in November 2017 where over 190 weapons were handed in. This highlights the importance that our communities place on the issue of illegal possession of weapons.

"Every weapon that is handed into police is one less in circulation that could fall into the wrong hands."

Cumbria police and crime commissioner Peter McCall said: “The use of weapons in crime can have devastating effects on people’s lives – both for victims, perpetrators, their families and the wider community.

"I am, therefore, very supportive of this campaign because every weapon that is surrendered will potentially save someone from being attacked or even killed."