A NOVEL idea of promoting a Hampshire museum of firepower by sending mock bullets through the post nearly backfired by sparking a security alert.

Gosport's Explosion museum of naval armaments, opened by Prince Andrew, sent the replica bullets through the post to 6,000 companies and groups.

Most of the customers took the surprise of receiving a fake explosive through the post with a sense of humour.

But at Portsmouth-based P&O Ferries the stunt sent alarm bells ringing after the "bullet" showed up as a potentially dangerous explosive in the firm's post room x-ray scanning machines.

Security measures swung into action and staff evacuated until the offending item was declared safe.

A spokeswoman said: "We were very surprised to receive a bullet in a letter sent to our managing director. I understand a letter was sent to the museum outlining our concerns.

"We know the museum wanted to launch itself with a bang, so to speak, but obviously, we have to take security very seriously, being in the transport business. Passenger safety is paramount in our line of work.''

Museum management defended the move and said the promotion was a success and staff are expecting hundreds of employers to "bite the bullet" and respond to the unusual invitation to sample the 200-year-old building as a conference and training centre.

A museum spokesman confirmed more than 6,000 bullets sent out as a promotion for Explosion caused a "storm".

All the bullets were harmless and were sent to companies in the region to promote the attraction as a new and unusual hi-tech conference and training and venue.

Museum director Michael Nutt has apologised for any problems caused by the stunt.

He said: "We wanted to send a positive message that we have a venue here that is unique. The responses have been very favourable. I would like to apologise to anyone who has been offended.''

The Royal Mail took a light-hearted view of the mail-shot, but said it would be better to have asked for guidance first.

Spokesman Richard Smith said: "It is illegal to send explosives through the post. We encourage creativity in mail-shots and we understand the items in this case were not live bullets.

"But if items could be mistaken for explosives then it is advisable for the sender to contact us first for the best way of handling it to avoid any security scares.''