COASTGUARDS rushed to the beach in a Somerset town following reports of a potential unexploded bomb.

Fortunately it turned out to be a false alarm - as the object was actually a rusty old safe.

A member of the public contacted Weston-super-Mare Coastguard Rescue Team via Facebook that she had "stumbled across a rusty object" on Sand Bay shortly before 5pm yesterday (Sunday).

A spokesperson for the team said: "As objects of ordnance are regularly washed up or uncovered by the tides, we recommended she ‘call it in’ by dialling 999 and asking for the Coastguard.

"Facebook is a great communication tool but to mobilise us the call needs to go through the official channels."

The spokesperson added: "Once on scene, she pointed out the location of said object.

"One of the team approached with caution, and we were happy to receive the news it was a very rusty front of an old safe.

"Sadly on this occasion, no treasure was found."