Dozens of children in Dyfed and Powys are authorised to use guns, figures show.

The Gun Control Network said allowing children to use powerful weapons, such as shotguns, is "absurd" and warned that weapon security cannot be guaranteed with youngsters.

But the British Association of Shooting and Conservation says teaching children how to enjoy the benefits of responsible shooting is to be encouraged.

At the end of March, 35 children aged under 18 in Dyfed and Powys held certificates granting them permission to use shotguns or firearms, according to Home Office data.

They were among 14,497 people in the area permitted to use the weapons.

There is no minimum age to hold a shotgun certificate in England and Wales, but a child must be over 14 to have a firearm certificate.

The figures show 32 shotgun and five firearm certificates, granted by Dyfed-Powys Police, are held by youngsters aged between 14 and 17 – some of whom could hold both types.

There are also three children under the age of 13 who hold shotgun licences in the area.

The law restricts children to the use of firearms for animal slaughter, sport, competition, target shooting and the shooting of vermin.

Peter Squires, from the UK Gun Control Network, said: "The fact that children can be licensees is a ridiculous anomaly, given that children could never be legally responsible in their own right for the safety and security of the weapon.

"GCN believe firmly that the privilege to own and use a firearm should be tied very closely to the responsibility for its use and security. This cannot be assured with children."

A Home Office spokesperson said the UK had some of the toughest gun laws in the world, with firearm possession subject to stringent controls.

He added: “There are strict controls on young certificate holders who must be thoroughly vetted by the police.’’