A FISHERMAN had the fright of his life when he caught a Napoleonic bomb in his nets. Rod Bingham, 42, made the discovery while trawling near the sunken USS Montgomery off Sheerness.

Sheppey's coastguards called explosive ordnance disposal experts from the Royal Navy's Southern Diving Group to the scene.

The team made the bomb safe and then carried out a controlled underwater explosion off nearby Minster Leas.

"It was amazing," said Mr Bingham. "When they chiselled off the barnacles and crustaceans and I saw the date. It was unbelievable. It looked like a huge bullet."

Mr Bingham, a trawlerman for seven years, added: "I've dragged up all sorts before - huge old anchors, Roman things and bottles, but nothing as old as this."

Mr Bingham is hoping to receive compensation for his damaged nets which cost about £500 each.

FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK'S SHEERNESS TIMES GUARDIAN