POLICE are praising gun owners after 441 firearms were handed over as part of a weapons surrender.

Lancashire police say they have been delighted with the reaction of owners after a collection point was set up at the force headquarters for large calibre guns to be handed in over the next three months.

The move comes in the wake of the ban sparked by the Dunblane tragedy.

In the first nine days, 313 full bore weapons were surrendered and 128 small bore .22 handguns, even though lesser calibre weapons are not yet outlawed.

A Lancashire police spokesman said: "We are very satisfied with the way things are going and in particular with gun owners, who have been very amicable." A large amount of ammunition has also been handed in to the mobile rooms which have been set up at the Hutton HQ.

Lancashire currently has 2,200 licensed high calibre handguns in circulation and around 950 small calibre.

Police officers have been visiting gun clubs in recent weeks in a bid to smooth the transfer.

Compensation arrangements have been made for large calibre handguns which will be made ex-gratia if .22 weapons are outlawed.

Owners have three options, a one off £150 compensation payment, a cash amount allotted by a price list, or, in the case of more valuable weapons, an independent evaluation.

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