An off-duty Coastguard rescue officer got more than he bargained for when he discovered a Second World War bomb while walking on the beach.

The rescue officer discovered what he believed to be the unexploded ordnance on Slapton beach on Thursday morning.

Falmouth Coastguard Operations Centre tasked Dartmouth Coastguard Rescue Team and Devon and Cornwall Police to set up a cordon, while the Royal Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit (EODU) examined the photographs taken by the Coastguard Rescue officer.

The EODU confirmed that the item was an anti-tank mine and proceeded to the scene from Plymouth.

A controlled explosion took place on the beach to dispose of the item.

It is not uncommon for old wartime explosives to be found in the area as it was used during World War II as the training ground for the D-Day landings.

HM Coastguard advises anyone that locates an item on the beach which they believe to be ordnance not to touch the item, keep others away from it and dial 999 asking for the Coastguard.