Pupils were being given a close look at the danger of replica firearms today in an unusual addition to their curriculum.

A police firearms officer was due to visit Kings Manor School in Shoreham for a lesson as part of a month-long gun amnesty in Sussex.

Secondary school pupils were expected to see a range of replica guns to show how much they can look like genuine weapons.

The move is part of a firearms amnesty which runs throughout April, giving people the opportunity to give up their guns without being prosecuted for illegal possession.

Kings Manor headteacher Brian Creese said: "I am pleased to work with Sussex Police to raise awareness of the dangers faced by young people using air weapons and replica guns.

"It is vital that people are aware of the potential outcome of being found in possession of one of these."

Assistant Chief Constable Geoff Williams said: "The use of imitation firearms by young people has become a nationwide issue and Sussex is no exception.

"We welcome the opportunity to talk to young people about the threat of imitation guns and applaud Kings Manor School for helping the force to raise awareness.

"Replica air guns are manufactured in such a fashion that even trained police firearms officers cannot always tell them apart from the real thing when confronted with them.

"We must take every opportunity to reduce the potential of these being used on our streets."

He said Sussex Police were appealing to anyone who had air guns at home to hand them in Officers also want to hear from people whose children own replica or ball-bearing guns they no longer wanted.

The amnesty was introduced in advance of new legislation which will make it an arrestable offence to possess a replica firearm or air weapon in a public place without either a reasonable excuse or lawful authority.

Since the amnesty began last week, more than 100 weapons have been handed in, including a harpoon gun at Haywards Heath, a loaded Magnum, a 2ft sword and a revolver.

People can surrender weapons at nine police stations - Bexhill, Brighton, Chichester, Crawley, Eastbourne, Hastings, Haywards Heath, Uckfield and Worthing.