RETIRED guardsman and shooting enthusiast Ronald Miles has decided to challenge Labour's plans to ban hand guns at the ballot box.

And the former Coldstream Guardsman is so upset with Labour's proposals he plans to pay his own General Election costs from his pension. To make sure his point is heard, the father of four, from Bury, has decided to stand against Jack Straw in Blackburn.

Mr Miles said: "Jack Straw is likely to be the next Home Secretary and as a member of the Sportsmen's Association I don't see eye to eye with his policies.

"I am an old soldier who has been involved in shooting for many, many years without any problems. "All of a sudden they tell me I am not fit to have my own gun. If I want to shoot a small bore pistol, it has to be kept at someone else's house under lock and key."

"It is ridiculous a soldier can handle a variety of weapons over many years, but as soon as he leaves the Army he is declared unfit to hold a gun.

"The whole situation is totally unfair, we shouldn't be made to pay the price for Dunblane." The Sportmen's Association was formed in the aftermath of the Dunblane tragedy.

Mr Miles has been an active member and has been to Parliament twice and met supporters of the Snowdrop campaign. He also stood in the council elections in his home town.

The former engineer, who spent seven years in the Army before signing up with the Territorial Army, has also served as a special constable.

Mr Miles decided to stand as an MP with the backing of the Sportmen's Association.

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