Police are urging people to surrender any unwanted or unlicensed firearms during an amnesty, which starts on Monday.

It will run until Friday, November 11, with gun owners encouraged to hand in everything from imitation firearms to gas-powered weapons.

Anyone who does so during that two-week period will not face prosecution for illegal possession.

Weapons can be surrendered at one of the following stations:

Ashford Police Station in Tufton Street, Ashford
Canterbury Police Station in Old Dover Road, Canterbury
Dover Police Station in Ladywell, Dover
Folkestone Police Station in Bouverie Road West, Folkestone
Maidstone Police Station in Palace Avenue, Maidstone
Margate Police Station in Fort Hill, Margate
Sittingbourne Police Station in Central Avenue, Sittingbourne
Swanley Police Station in London Road, Swanley
Tonbridge Police Station in Pembury Road, Tonbridge
Tunbridge Wells Police Station in Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells

Members of the public are advised to call 101 ahead of surrendering any firearms. This number can also be used for advice on how to transport weapons safely.

They can also use the 101 service to arrange the safe collection of any weapon from their home.

Detective Chief Superintendent Robert Fordham, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "Kent has a high number of responsible, licensed firearms holders and this could be attributed to its rural landscape.

"In recent years however there have been several changes to the law and people may be unaware on how these changes affect them.

"For example, there may be people out there who have inherited weapons from elderly relatives or friends that are actually not legal for them to have.

"I would also encourage members of the public to surrender any replica firearms in their possession.

"There is never a good reason to be in possession of a replica firearm and anyone who carries one is putting themselves in danger and increasing the fear of crime for the rest of the public.

"This amnesty gives them the opportunity to surrender the items and not be prosecuted. If a member of the public is unsure on whether it is legal for them to have a firearm in their possession, they should contact us for advice."