Unexploded shells destroyed in controlled explosion at Holme, near Hunstanton

Second World war shells found near sand sand dunes on Holme beach were made safe in a controlled explosion on the beach. Picture: Gary Pearson (Image: 2016 Gary Pearson)

Experts were called in after 22 shells were found near the entrance to the beach at Holme on Wednesday afternoon.

A bomb disposal team attended the scene yesterday and destroyed the items.

Amateur photographer Gary Pearson, who saw the drama, said coastguards told him there were 22 unexploded shells.

'They cordoned off the entrance to the beach. Some military personnel came along and had a look at them.

Second World war shells found near sand sand dunes on Holme beach were made safe in a controlled explosion on the beach. Picture: Gary Pearson (Image: 2016 Gary Pearson)

'Then they dug a hole in the beach and detonated them.'

Ammunition ranging from small arms rounds to mortar and tank shells are frequently exposed by the tide around the north-west Norfolk shoreline.

Beaches including Holme and Titchwell were used as firing ranges during the war.

Second World war shells found near sand sand dunes on Holme beach were made safe in a controlled explosion on the beach. Picture: Gary Pearson (Image: 2016 Gary Pearson)