A metal detector enthusiast who stumbled upon an unexploded wartime bomb says he missed hitting the detonator by an inch.

Patrick West, 37, of Broadwater Street East, Worthing, was scouring the woods at Worthing Crematorium in Findon when he made the find.

The bomb, found lying in undergrowth, was 1ft long and 4in wide.

Mr West said: "I must admit it was a bit of a surprise when I saw it. I have found lots of things while out metal detecting but never a live bomb.

"I must have missed the detonator by an inch. It's a bit weird thinking back on it.

"The Canadians and Americans were camped in these woods during the Second World War so it has probably been there ever since.

"I have scanned these woods before and found soldiers' buttons and knives and forks with names on them."

Police were called to the scene at 5pm yesterday and bomb experts were called in to blow up the bomb.