A total of 37 handguns, 17 rifles, 53 airguns, eight shotguns and a further 19 other firearms were handed into Surrey Police during a firearms surrender.

More than 600 shotgun cartridges and more than 300 other rounds of ammunition were also handed in.

The amnesty between Monday, November 10, and Friday, November 21, encouraged people to take any unwanted weaponry to a police station for disposal.

Weapons could be handed in without the owners facing prosecution, although each weapon was examined to see if it had been used in crime.

Chief Superintendent Paul Morrison said: “The surrender has led to more than 300 firearms being taken out of circulation and although there's no suggestion that any were involved in crime, all of them had the potential to be dangerous if they fell into the wrong hands.

“I am grateful to all those who handed in firearms and ammunition. They have helped us make Surrey and Sussex even safer by reducing the chance of criminals getting their hands on weapons.”

New legislation came into effect on July 14 increased the maximum jail term for illegal gun possession from 10 years to life.

Although the surrender has ended, anyone with a firearms who wishes to dispose of it can still call 101 or email firearmslic@surrey.pnn.police.uk.