SOME cross-Channel ferry services from Dover will almost certainly be delayed this Tuesday (March 27) while a Second World War mine is blown up off the French coast.

The French navy discovered the mine, believed to be German and containing around 700 kilos of explosive, near the port of Calais. Shipping in the area is being warned to keep away.

The mine was uncovered by the bad weather which swept across the region on Wednesday last week. It will be blown up in a controlled explosion on Tuesday morning, and the port of Calais is expected to be closed for two or three hours from 9.30am.

Ferries due to sail to Calais will remain at Dover until the incident is over.