A GUN enthusiast who kept an arsenal of weapons at his home has admitted illegally possessing a semi-automatic rifle and live ammunition.

Armed police and a bomb disposal team raided the home of Graham Lane, aged 65, on September 6 last year and discovered more than 30 firearms. Neighbours watched in astonishment as officers removed guns, shells, rocket launchers, grenades and ammunition from his semi-detached house in Kilbury Drive, Worcester.

Lane, former chairman of the Norton Shooting Club, was arrested and later released by police after it emerged he had licenses for most of the seized weapons.

Yesterday (Mon) Lane admitted possessing a prohibited weapon and possessing ammunition without a firearm certificate.

Hereford Crown Court heard police had already seized Lane's 7.62 semi-automatic rifle between July 31, 2009 and March 5 last year - at least six months before the raid on his home.

When officers swooped on his property they also discovered 12 live rounds of .45 ACP ammunition which he did not have a licence for.

Lane, a part-time electrician, spoke only to confirm his name and enter his guilty plea during the 10 minute hearing.

Judge Daniel Pearce-Higgins, released Lane on bail until he is sentenced in September on condition that he does not enter the armory of the shooting club.

After the hearing, Lane refused to comment.

Neil Brazier, secretary of Norton Shooting Club, said: "Graham Lane is on sabbatical and he is not the chairman of the club.

"The club AGM was held on Sunday. The new committee and chairman have been appointed. They will be holding their first meeting on Thursday, when they will review the situation."