A DIGGER driver has spoken of his shock after his machine uncovered a live bomb.

John Eddon was building a garden wall for householders in Mallard Close, behind Goslipgate in Pickering when he made the find.

He twice struck something solid with his JCB and got out to look - and discovered the smoke mortar inches below the surface.

"We were just digging 18 inches deep and there it was. It was about a foot long and had aluminium fins on," he said.

"I hit it twice with the bucket before I got it out of the ground.

"I never really thought about it until the police came."

Although the police were called at about 5pm, the bomb disposal unit did not arrive until after 10pm as they had to travel up from Essex.

Homeowner David Rhodes has lived with his wife and two children only yards from the bomb for almost ten years, since the housing estate was built.

"I thought they were joking at first when they told me," he said.

"I know you have to notify the authorities, but it was a bit of a palaver."

They were evacuated until 11.30pm along with residents in Mallard Close and part of nearby Goslipgate.