A PICKERING digger driver spoke today of his shock after he uncovered a live bomb.

John Eddon, of Eddon Plant Hire, was building a garden wall for householders in Mallard Close, behind Goslipgate in the town.

But after he twice struck something solid with his JCB he got out to look, and discovered the smoke mortar inches below the surface.

"We were just digging 18 inches deep and there it was," he said.

"It was about a foot long and had aluminium fins on.

"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. In 21 years of digging, I've never found a bomb before."

Although the police were called at about 5pm, the bomb disposal unit did not arrive until after 10pm.

Mr Eddon said they had travelled from Essex because bomb disposal experts at Catterick were serving in the Gulf.

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."

Mr Rhodes said they contacted police at 4.20pm, and were evacuated until 11.30pm along with residents in Mallard Close and part of nearby Goslipgate.

The family spent the evening with friends nearby.

Mr Rhodes said: "That's it for digging now."

Updated: 10:34 Friday, April 18, 2003