More than 40 weapons were handed in the the first week

During the first week, 44 weapons and a large quantity of ammunition was handed in.

A police spokesman said five large knives were also handed in.

Included in the overall total were 10 air weapons, at least six prohibited weapons, 12 imitation weapons and almost 2,000 rounds of ammunition.

Chief Inspector Peter Glover of the Force Operations Department said: "I am really pleased with the great start we have had to the firearms amnesty right across Northamptonshire and I hope this level of activity continues.

One single handover included: A smooth bore, bolt action target gun A .410 shotgun A 9mm garden shot gun More than 1,000 shotgun cartridges A large bag full of bullet components

"I hope that these early successes, and the guarantee of anonymity for anyone who hands any items in, will encourage people to take advantage of the opportunity to get rid of weapons.

"The guns that have been handed in during the past week are weapons that can now never end up in criminal hands, and that must make Northamptonshire a safer county."

The firearms amnesty runs until 30 April.

Items can be handed in at Campbell Square and Weston Favell in Northampton, Daventry, Brackley, Towcester, Kettering, Wellingborough and Corby police stations.

They can also be handed in at the mobile police station as it tours the county.