A TOTAL of 245 firearms and 2,724 rounds of ammunition have been handed in to police in Greater Manchester during the first 10 days of a national weapons amnesty.

The weapons -- including sawn-off shotguns, pistols, air weapons and blank firing revolvers -- have been surrendered to officers at police stations throughout the county.

In Bolton, 10 firearms and 30 rounds of ammunition have been taken to police stations.

But police chiefs believe there are still many more illegally held weapons in the town -- and throughout the rest of the county.

The month-long amnesty is being held to encourage people to hand in any illegally held firearms and ammunition without fear of prosecution.

Deputy Chief Constable, David McCrone said: "It is a very encouraging start."

Among the firearms handed in has been a small open-top firing revolver still in its original leather pouch, which used to be carried by Victorian ladies for protection, in their purse or muff. Also handed in is a Montenegrin revolver originating from the Balkans and dating back to the 19th century.

Second World War weapons surrendered include Luger pistols, a Smith & Wesson revolver, and a Walther model P38.

The amnesty lasts until the end of the month.