An amnesty to get guns off the streets of Bradford has seen rifles, revolvers and semi-automatic pistols handed over.

Throughout this month, anyone owning firearms illegally has been invited to drop them in special bins at police stations with the promise they will not face prosecution.

The nationwide campaign aims to give people a 'last chance' to give up their weapons before tough new penalties are introduced. New laws will mean that anyone caught in possession of an unlicensed firearm will face a minimum of five years in jail.

Two weeks into the campaign, police revealed that 17 guns had been deposited throughout the Bradford district as well as hundreds of rounds of ammunition.

At the city centre Tyrls police station alone, three hanguns - including a semi-automatic revolver - have been placed in the bin over the last 14 days.

Across West York-shire, 83 firearms have been surrendered so far including 11 handguns, six rifles and two de-activated machine guns.

The Government drew up plans for the amnesty in a bid to cut the spiralling rate of gun crime on Britain's streets. Last year there were 442 gun-related offences in the district including two killings - a six per cent rise on the previous 12 months.

Throughout Britain, inst-ances of gun crime rose an alarming 35 per cent to 9,974.

Inspector John Colwell, pictured, of Bradford South Police, said: "The response we have had so far has been encouraging but we want to remind people that they only have two weeks left to hand in their weapons or face stiff penalties in the future.

"With every gun handed over, Bradford becomes a safer place to live."

He said the campaign was not only appealing to active criminals but those who owned relics, collectors' items or unlicensed weapons. It also covers imitation firearms, which are often used in serious crimes.