LITTER-pickers tidying Watchet’s West Street beach found themselves caught up in a security emergency after their clean-up uncovered a rusty World War Two shell.

Helper Neil Hampton, taking part in the Keep Britain Tidy ocean recovery project, spotted the three-inch shell and raised the alarm with organiser Keith Hunt.

The Watchet coastguard team arrived within minutes and cordoned off the beach after it was decided that the shell might still contain live explosive.

Coastguards contacted the Royal Navy bomb squad, which drove from Plymouth to remove and examine the object.

It was later found to be a non-explosive practice shell and was taken away for disposal.

A coastguard spokesman said the shell showed evidence of being fired but, until it was examined by experts, it was not known if it was still live.

“The police and coastguards would like to thank beach-users for their assistance and understanding while the cordon was in place to ensure everyone’s safety.”

The spokesman added that anything suspicious on the beach or shoreline should be reported to the coastguard by dialling 999.

Drama over, the cleaning team returned to the beach to finish their chores. The result: a massive bag of plastic was dispatched to Glastonbury where it will be processed and used in the construction of a festival stage.