A month-long gun amnesty which ends at midnight is already being hailed a success by police in Colchester.
In the last week alone, almost 30 guns have been handed in to officers and they are pleased the potentially lethal weapons have been taken off the streets.
The total number of guns handed in over the month is not yet known, but a range of weapons has been received.
They include air rifles, shotguns, a 140-year-old Colt pistol and a 303 Second World War rifle.
The nationwide amnesty gives people the chance to hand in legally and illegally held firearms including replicas and collectors' items - without being prosecuted.
Police hope reducing weapons held by the public will cut the number of shootings and gun-related crime.
All the weapons will be destroyed.
Det Sgt Roger Napier said: "We have had a bit of a rush in the last couple of days because it is the last week of the amnesty.
"Everyone is pleased all these guns have been taken off the streets. It is nice to see that a large number of them have been handed in."
Published Wednesday, April 30, 2003
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