LANCASHIRE police today supported new legislation to control air guns due to come into force on Tuesday.

New laws will make it illegal to manufacture, sell, purchase, transfer or acquire any air weapon which uses a self-contained gas cartridge system.

Anyone who already owns one of these weapons will be able to keep it only if they obtain a firearm certificate from the police.

And those who fail to get a certificate could soon get between five and 10 years in prison.

The ban was agreed by Parliament as part of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003.

Today, Superintendent Clive Tattum 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."

Applications for certificates have to be made before May 1, although owners can surrender their weapons to police for disposal. Those without a certificate who are found in possession of a weapon or who try to buy or sell one after May 1 could be jailed for up to 10 years under the Firearms Act 1968.

The ban applies to any air rifle, air gun or pistol that uses or is designed to be used with a self-contained gas cartridge system.

Applications can be obtained from local police firearm licensing offices for £50.

But police have to be satisfied the applicant can be trusted with a gun and has not been to prison for longer than three years and will not be a danger to the public.