Part of the cache of bullets dug up in Mote Park, Maidstone, when volunteers were planting trees. Picture: Howard Marsh

by Angela Cole

Volunteers planting trees in a park got more than they bargained for when they dug up dozens of Second World War bullets.

The community tree planting day, organised by Maidstone council, attracted 40 people keen to enhance the greenery in Mote Park.

But when they started digging, they unearthed more than just soil, discovering several rusty bullets.

On moving to another area, they discovered more - eventually finding around 50 9mm and .303 cartridges.

Police were called and bomb disposal experts from the Army were drafted in to find as much of the ammunition as possible.

Army protocol means once more than one type of bullet was found, a disposal team needed to be called.

The crack team of experts were drafted in from Maidstone's barracks, the nearest available to the drama, who took the unexpected find away for safe disposal.

Bullets from the Second World War were dug up in Mote Park, Maidstone, when volunteers were planting trees. Picture: Howard Marsh

Organiser Alan Frith said: "There were two different types of bullets, so the Army had to be called in.

"I think bullets have been found on the site before. I think soldiers who were based in the park during the Second World War were told to get rid of their remaining ammunition when they moved out.

"There is a good chance of finding bullets all over the place there." The tree planting was shifted to another area of the park, with 42 saplings eventually being put in the ground.

The work is part of Mote Park's £2.6m regeneration project, which is due to be completed this summer.