Workmen got more than they bargained for when they came across an unexploded First World War mortar bomb.
They were working at a gas main just south of Henfield in a field off Barrow Hill when they dug up the live explosive.
The workers quickly downed tools after finding the rusty device a metre deep in the soil.
They flagged down two police officers, PC Simon Goulding and PC Ellie Casey, who called in the bomb squad.
The mortar was similar in shape to an enlarged light bulb and would have been used for training. It could still have been lethal if it had been detonated by the workers' movements.
Army experts carried out a controlled explosion on the device which, even after all this time, still sent a loud blast echoing across the town.
PC Goulding said: "Every so often ammunitions like this do turn up, although it is amazing that even after more than 80 years they can still be so dangerous.
"Our advice is, if you find something like this, don't touch it.
"Call the police and we will call the bomb squad. It is better to be safe than sorry."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article