VISITORS to Clacton Town Hall were confronted by a machine gun this week.

But there was no cause for alarm as the Vickers gun, made in 1915, was part of a First World War display in the entrance hall.

Members of the East Essex Aviation Society, based at the Martello Tower in Point Clear Bay, created the display.

Bill Smith and Mike Mount were dressed in full uniform with weapons.

Museum chairman Albert Scott said: “We have had a great deal of interest from all ages."

The display was organised by the Royal British Legion and the Royal Air Force Association to mark the centenary of the beginning of the First World War.

The East Essex Aviation Society is also staging an event at the Martello Tower on August 17 from 10am to 4pm including First World War re-enactors, a 1914 trench system, living history, military vehicles and live music.