TWELVE children in Greater Manchester are authorised to use guns, according to official figures.

Across England and Wales, 2,084 certificates were held by under under-18s by the end of March, with the youngest holder of a shotgun licence believed to be just seven.

The Gun Control Network said allowing children to use powerful weapons, such as shotguns, is "absurd" and that weapon security cannot be guaranteed with youngsters.

But, the British Association of Shooting and Conservation says that teaching children to enjoy the benefits of responsible shooting must be encouraged.

Peter Squires, from the UK Gun Control Network, said: "The fact that children can be licensees is a ridiculous anomaly, given that children could never be legally responsible in their own right for the safety and security of the weapon.

"GCN believe firmly that the privilege to own and use a firearm should be tied very closely to the responsibility for its use and security. This cannot be assured with children."

There is no minimum age to hold a shotgun certificate in England and Wales, but a child must be over 14 to have a firearm certificate.