A HAND grenade was among the weapons handed in to police during a month-long firearms amnesty which ended last week.

Officers say they are "delighted" with the response to the amnesty, which resulted in 789 guns and 15,386 rounds of ammunition being deposited at police stations across Worcestershire.

In total, 45 guns, including self-loading handguns and pistols, were surrendered to police, together with 73 air rifles, 78 imitation firearms and 58 non-prohibited rifles and shotguns.

Police also received 63 other weapons including the hand grenade and a variety of knives.

"We are pleased that these weapons and ammunition have been removed from circulation and that so many people took advantage of the opportunity to surrender illegally held guns," said Supt Eamonn Croft, of West Mercia police.

"The weapons will now be destroyed at secure locations around the country.

"The Government has announced its intention to introduce a mandatory, five year minimum sentence for possession of an illegal firearm and will also be bringing in new restrictions on carrying imitation firearms and air weapons in a public place."

During the amnesty, which began on March 31, owners were invited to hand in their legal or illegally held gun without fear of prosecution.