The coastguard was called to a beach after a large 'mysterious' item washed up.

Crew members went along to Mermaid beach in Folkestone after someone spotted the object.

It turned out to be a rusty gas cylinder, over a metre in length.

After ensuring it was safe, crews moved it further up the beach towards the promenade and put tape around it to let people know it was being dealt with.

It has since been removed by Folkestone and Hythe District Council.

A spokesman for Folkestone Coastguard said: "It was reported via someone walking in the area - they were concerned in case children played with it and it was very close to the rough waves at high tide.

"I don't think it was believed to be a bomb as the shape and cylinder head was quite obvious."

The object was found on Friday and was the 85th call out for the Folkestone team this year.

Earlier in the week they were called to St Mary's Bay on Romney Marsh after a tender washed up in the surf.

Crews waited until the tide went back out, and then emptied the small boat of water and shingle and left it by the sea wall.

A spokesman added: "If anybody recognises this tender - it has the name Suzie Gee on it - and has any information about the owner or wishes to recover it, please contact the Coastguard at Dover on 01304 210008."

Other incidents the team have dealt with this year include rescuing a swimmer in trouble near the harbour, checking on an overweight seal and helping search for a missing sailor.

If you see anyone in distress or difficulty on the coast, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.

Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone