A MAN has been jailed for three-and-a-half years, and his accomplice for three years, for drug and firearm offences.

Philip Fisher, aged 23, of Wet Earth Green, Swinton, was convicted of possessing a class B drug with intent to supply, possession of a loaded air weapon, possession of an offensive weapon, possession of counterfeit currency and driving whilst disqualified and without insurance.

He was sentenced on Friday following a trial at Bolton Crown Court.

The court heard that Fisher was arrested on April 25 last year after his car was stopped by police in Scholes Lane in Prestwich.

Officers checked his details and arrested him after discovering he was disqualified from driving.

His car was searched and police discovered a 10-inch long knife, a quantity of counterfeit notes, two kilos of amphetamines and a pistol.

Fisher had pleaded not guilty to all the offences.

Darren Palmer-Smith, aged 27, of Torquay, pleaded guilty to possessing a class B drug with intent to supply, possession of a bladed article, possession of a firearm, and possession of counterfeit currency.He was sentenced to three years in jail.