BLACKPOOL air rifle owners are being warned that they must apply for licences soon if they want to keep their weapons -- or face up to 10 years in prison.

New legislation introduced this week makes it illegal to manufacture, sell, purchase, transfer or acquire any air weapon using a self-contained gas storage system.

Under new legislation air-weapon owners must apply for a firearm certificate or hand over their weapon for disposal by the police before May 1.

Supt Clive Tattum of Lancashire Police, said: "We are pleased with the introduction of this new legislation which will help the police to take these types of weapon off the market.

"At the same time, the law is now designed to stop these weapons getting into the hands of criminals while safeguarding the genuine members of the shooting fraternity."

Application details can be obtained from police firearm licensing officers, at a cost of £50. Police must be satisfied that the applicant is fit to be entrusted with a gun, has not received a prison sentence of three years or more and will not represent a danger to the safety of the police or public. Applicants must also be able to meet the cost of any security measures required.

Retailers have been warned that they will no longer be able to trade is self-contained gas cartridge weapons from this week, but will be allowed to keep their existing stock until May 1.

Any retailer wanting to sell their weapon abroad must apply to the Home Office for the Secretary of State's authority under section five of the Firearms Act 1968, and to register with the police as a firearms dealer. Again, all applications must be received by May 1.

The ban, agreed under the Government's Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 applies to any air rifle, air gun or pistol using a self-contained gas cartridge system.

It does not apply to weapons using a Co2 bulb system as they are not completely self contained.