Workers carrying out repairs to a bridge had to stop work because it had to be checked by a bomb squad.

Contractors were preparing to refurbish Rickney Bridge in Pevensey when local farmers warned them of rumours that pipe mines were buried in the area during the Second World War.

Stephen Cook, a bridge maintenance engineer with East Sussex County Council, said: “We didn’t want to take any risks, so contacted the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and 1st Line Defence – experts in clearing unexploded mines – which carried out a survey of the area.

On advice from the MoD, the team changed the way the bank was supported, from steel sheet piles to heavy duty sandbags, and instructed a team of divers to assist with the lowering of these into place.

No bombs were found and the area has now been deemed low-risk.