A woman has told how she lost part of her finger when a pyrotechnic grenade exploded in her hand at the War and Peace Revival show.

Sarah Bluck, 48, also suffered minor burns to her stomach, legs and arms from the device she bought from a trade stand.

The accident happened at Folkestone Racecourse on Saturday before the event opened to the public for the day.

Ms Bluck, of High Street, Sheerness, arrived early to exhibit her Russian motorcycle.

She has organised pyrotechnics displays in the past, but has never been injured before.

Ms Bluck bought four thunderflashes, which are used in battle re-enactments, and began to dismantle one to see the inner workings.

When it exploded in her hand, she threw it to a space in the corner of the tent she was in, where it exploded again.

She said: "I thought it was inert and it should have been free from explosives. They are meant to be completely safe – and the other three I had there were.

"This could have happened to anybody. This was on a shelf that was three foot something above the ground.

"A 10-year-old could have picked it up. It's just nuts, really.

"I had a chat to the organisers. They were apologetic. It's not their fault. Stall holders are meant to keep explosives locked away. They should be more responsible."

Ms Bluck's injury might affect her ability to type and use the computer for her job as an electronics engineer and prevent her from her hobbies of firing rifles and a bow and arrows at ranges.

She said it was depressing to be back in hospital after spending last Christmas and New Year on a ward after a hit-and-run accident.

She was taken to the William Harvey Hospital, Ashford, and Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, where surgeons were able to save three-quarters of her left middle finger. She is now recovering at home.

Kent Police officers were called, but a spokesman said they were not investigating the incident.

The Health and Safety Executive and Trading Standards are looking into the explosion.

A War and Peace Revival spokesman said: "Our thoughts are with Sarah and we wish her a speedy recovery."

The War and Peace Rival show is the world's biggest military vehicle expo.

It attracts thousands of people to displays of military vehicles and battle re-enactments as well as giving visitors a rare opportunity to meet war veterans.

This year it was set up at Folkestone Racecourse for the first time, having in previous years been at the Hop Farm in Paddock Wood as the War and Peace Show.