New Zealanders have started handing over their semi-automatic weapons as part of a buyback scheme following a ban after the Christchurch attacks.

Gun reforms were enacted after a gunman shot dead 51 people at two mosques in March.

Saturday’s handover in Christchurch was the first of more than 250 collections to be held across the country.

More than NZ$433,600 (£230,000) was paid in compensation to 169 firearms owners, who handed in 224 weapons.

The weapons were then destroyed.