James Moston had to have emergency surgery to remove a pellet from his skull following the incident at Penkridge Market in Staffordshire.

Since James was hurt the market's organisers have banned the sale of airguns, despite it being a perfectly legal trade.

James' family, from Stockton Brook, in north Staffordshire, have welcomed the move.

James is making a good recovery

His mother Sharon Moston said air gun laws should be more stringent.

She said: "The pellet was lodged between James' scalp and his skull.

"It came through the back of his head and he needed a general anaesthetic to have it removed."

As the law stands anyone who is 14-years-old and over can use an air rifle provided they are supervised and air guns can be sold to anyone over 17-years-old without a license.

Tony Belas, from Daystate Airgun Manufacturers, said the laws were tough enough.

He said: "The air gun laws and firearms act are quite stringent and will allow up to five years imprisonment for anyone caught committing an offence.

"There is no need for more legislation, just better training and better enforcement of the current laws."

The government is considering changes to the law on air guns and is expected to make its plans known in the next few months.