PEOPLE carrying air weapons face five years in jail if they fail to get them licensed.

Police in Bolton have warned they will prosecute anybody found to have an air weapon that uses a self-contained gas cartridge system without the appropriate firearms certification.

The new legislation was introduced on January 20, but Greater Manchester Police have a period of grace until the end of April for people to get the necessary paperwork. There are an estimated 6,000 people with the weapons.

It is now an offence to sell, purchase, manufacture, transfer or acquire the firearms, and prosecution under the new legislation carries a mandatory five-year prison sentence.

Assistant Chief Constable Dave Whatton said: "The public appears not to be aware of the new legislation as, to date, very few have been handed in or certificated."

The change in law has come about because these weapons have become attractive to criminals, who convert them to fire live ammunition. Parliament agreed the new legislation as part of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, which also makes it illegal to possess an air weapon or imitation firearm in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.

A new firearm certificate costs £50, but existing certificate holders wanting to add one of more of these guns need pay just £26. Applicants will need to put in place security measures to prevent unauthorised access to their weapon.

The Firearms Licensing Unit can be contacted on 0161 856 0820.