South East Water workers had to dodge bombs to finish a £1.25 million pipeline through the South Downs.

The 2.3 mile pipeline from Poverty Bottom Pumping Station near Bishopstone will transfer water to Firle Service Reservoir, on top of the South Downs near Firle Beacon.

From there it will flow by gravity via existing underground water mains to Ringmer and then Burgess Hill, to help supply both these areas and surrounding villages.

South East Water workers uncovered old wartime shells along the pipeline route because the area was used for military training in both the First and Second World Wars.

Manager Graham Webb said: “We were aware of the dangers that could be in place if we were to come across any unexploded ordnance on the route, as the South Downs and Newhaven harbour in particular has a history of military activity and bombings."

The company is now finishing off the final part of the scheme to install pumps at its Poverty Bottom site to help move the water around its underground water main network.