CUMBRIA police were called to the Millom Discovery Centre where a historic stick of dynamite had been found in a store cupboard. 

The dynamite was found after a member of staff was rearranging exhibitions. 

Recognising the item as potentially hazardous, Jade Hughes who found the dynamite, alerted Jim Partridge, the museum's treasurer.

Mr Partridge then alerted the Explosives Ordnance Disposal who attended the scene.  

The dynamite is thought to be about 50 years old, and is believed to be a relic of Millom's mining past. 

Found with various other artifacts, the dynamite had apparently become unstable by the growth of crystals within the item. 

Police carried out several road closures at the time to allow the dynamite to be transferred from the museum to the grounds of the Millom Network Centre.

After lengthy safety procedures carried out by police to ensure members of the public were safe, the dynamite was transported manually by Captain Lintvelt, dressed in an explosive proof suit to the Millom School Field.

In a hole carefully prepared by the army duo, the carefully placed explosive was covered and a controlled explosion was carried out to make the potentially hazardous explosive safe.

The dynamite was successfully destroyed at 3.24pm by the Explosives Ordnance Disposal EOD. 

Director of Hardknott Brewery in Millom, Dave Bailey, was on the scene when the incident occurred.

Mr Bailey, said: "It was all very interesting and exciting. It is great that these guys are there to dispose of it so quickly. 

"There were police and ambulances and a paramedic had to accompany the guy who was carrying the dynamite as there was a chance that it could explode at any time." 

All roads have now been reopened, no one was injured and no damage was caused to any property.