ATHENS (AP) - A surprise shell has caused a big stir at a popular Athens beach.

The Greek authorities evacuated the seafront on Monday after a swimmer found a corroded artillery shell just 9m from dry land, fished it out and presented it to a lifeguard.

A coast guard statement said army explosives experts were rushed to Vouliagmeni beach and safely disposed of the munition.

The 30cm round dated to World War II, when much of the coastline around Athens was heavily fortified.

Athenians have been flocking to nearby beaches over the past few days as the country suffered an early heat wave, with temperatures over 30 deg C.