People in Sussex and Surrey have until Friday to surrender any unwanted firearms and ammunition to the police.

Since the campaign began over 80 firearms including air weapons, shotguns, revolvers, pistols and rifles have been handed over as well as over 1200 cartridges.

The surrender is an opportunity for those whose licence has lapsed or who do not hold a licence to dispose of those weapons and ammunition safely and without prosecution. However weapons may be analysed to determine if it has been used in crime and, if it has, it will be investigated.

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

Advice from Sussex Police:

•  Anyone wishing to hand in firearms should disarm them and put them in a box or strong bag.
• Ammunition should be placed in a separate box or bag.
• Ensure they are covered from view on your way to a station and when you arrive tell a member of police staff that you are there to surrender a weapon before you reveal it.
• Please do not hand any such items to police officers or staff in the street as they are not equipped to deal with firearms and the sight of weapons could cause unnecessary alarm to members of the community.

If you cannot take your firearm or ammunition to a station, email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101 to arrange an appointment when an officer will visit you to collect it.

If you have any information about the possession of an illegal firearm or criminal activity related to weapons, email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk, call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

For more information about firearms and ammunition, including when and where you can hand them in, visit www.sussex.police.uk/help-centre/ask-us/explosives,-firearms,-knives-and-other-weapons/what-is-a-gun-surrender.