The owner of a new shop has hit back at claims his store will encourage more guns in a seaside town.

Guns Fun and Camouflage, in High Street, Walton, opened this week and is now selling air rifles and ball bearing guns as well as camping equipment and military surplus.

Owner Shaun Corcoran, a former Army instructor who has been awarded medals for service in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Angola, said: "We are a friendly shop and don't just cater for holidaymakers.

"We don't want the older generation to feel threatened by the shop because we will be supplying fishing equipment for them too.

"We're also very conscientious as to who we sell rifles to and how old they are."

Guns Fun and Camouflage was criticised by Frinton and Walton town councillors for advertising guns in High Street, but Mr Corcoran pointed out guns have been sold at McDonald's Gun & Tackle in Old Pier Street, up until it shut last month.