A GUN club chief has been charged with firearms offences.

Graham Lane, who has been suspended as chairman of Worcester Norton Shooting Club, is accused of possessing a pump action or self-loading rifle, ammunition for a firearm without a certificate and two counts of failing to comply with the conditions of his firearms certificate.

Your Worcester News previously reported how police executed a warrant at his home in Kilbury Drive, off Spetchley Road, on September 6 last year where they seized guns, ammunition and munitions. The Army and bomb squad were also involved.

Lane was arrested on suspicion of possessing an illegal firearm and bailed pending investigations.

At the peak of the incident, there were about 15 officers on the scene and nine police vehicles, including marked and unmarked cars and vans.

The operation caused a stir with residents of Kilbury Drive, who gathered in their gardens to watch events unfold.

Lane was a founder member of Worcester Norton Shooting Club in 1982 and an enthusiast of military history.

Following his arrest he agreed to take “a sabbatical” as chairman of the club until investigations conclude and was yesterday suspended pending the outcome of the court case.

In 1999, Mr Lane met legendary actor and gun champion Charlton Heston, who was invited to the club by founder Terry Sims.

Mr Heston, then president of the National Rifle Association in the United States, was made an honorary life member of the club and dined with Norton club members at the Old Chequers Inn in Crowle, near Worcester.

One of the club’s rifle ranges – the Heston range – is named after the actor, who won an oscar for Ben-Hur.

Lane will appear before Worcester Magistrates Court on Friday, April 8. He has been released on bail.