A SCHOOLBOY pressed the button that blew up a hand grenade found on Dovercourt beach.

Reef Howlett, aged seven, was at the seafront on Saturday with his aunt, brother and cousin when they saw police and bomb disposal officers.

When the family went to speak to officers, they were invited to help.

St Joseph’s Primary School pupil, Reef, a fan of all things Army-related, was offered the chance to detonate the explosive.

Amy said: “They let him press the button and detonate the bomb – what an experience."