THE dangers of playing with guns is the central message of a new campaign aimed at kids.

The Armed Response Unit at Lancaster is touring schools in Lancaster and Morecambe to educate kids about the inappropriate use of BB (ball bearing) guns.

Officers have been telling youngsters that although BB guns can be bought for as little as £1 in toyshops, they look like the real thing - and can be very intimidating.

Youngsters are being urged to get involved with Operation Target, a competition to create a poster and leaflet to highlight the important message.

The winners and their school will receive a prize from Morecambe-based Cannon Hygiene.

Since December, the Lancaster armed response unit has had 27 calls where firearms have reportedly been used.

But only six of the incidents involved real guns.