Grampian Police have launched a drive to crack down on the irresponsible use of airguns.

The month-long campaign is geared toward taking unwanted and unused weapons out of circulation.

Throughout October the public can go into any police station to hand in airguns, anonymously, or simply give them to police officers on the street. The appeal also covers replica firearms.

Assistant Chief Constable Colin Menzies said: "The misuse of airguns results in needless injury and even death.

"People who act irresponsibly with airguns cause distress to our communities by carrying out vandalism or injuring or even killing animals.

"We want to take as many unwanted weapons out of circulation as possible and we'd ask the public to help our communities in coming forward to hand them over.

"It is not illegal to possess an airgun and the majority of users do have a legitimate reason for having one.

"But even legitimate users can benefit from education on the correct storage of airguns to ensure they don't fall into the hands of someone prepared to use it irresponsibly."

Claire Ewen was struck in the side of the head while walking home from a friend’s house in Aberdeen.

She said: “Something hit the side of my eye and I noticed there was blood coming from my eye. I was totally shocked and seeing double.

“I went to the hospital the next day and they told me I had a pellet in my eye and it’s still there today.”

The month-long drive to take unwanted and unused airguns out of circulation was backed by the Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), the SSPCA, Crimestoppers and local council representatives.

Mr MacAskill said: "Airguns are not toys, but weapons that can kill and maim and we are clear that action must be taken to stop any further tragedies in Scotland.

And he warned: "There will be no let up in our drive to reform the law on airguns."

People will be able to dispose of airguns at special bins stationed at police offices across the force area between October 9 and November 6.

The campaign will be supported with posters and leaflets which will be distributed to schools and community centres throughout the Force area.