It was hidden inside a Sheringham home for nearly a quarter of a century.

North Norfolk News: Martin Braybrook with the time capsule. Pictures: David BaleMartin Braybrook with the time capsule. Pictures: David Bale (Image: Archant)

The people staying at a property in Beach Avenue in 1995 left a time capsule in a hole in the wall, and then filled it and papered it over.

It has only now been found by accident, 23 years later.

Martin Braybrook, 71, from Cromer, whose daughter Suzanne Stones now owns the property, brought the capsule to Arnolds Keys in Cromer, the letting agent, to open it. He thought there might have been some buried treasure inside.

He said: 'It was found by decorator James Morton, who brought it to us, as we are looking after the property.

North Norfolk News: The contents of the time capsule. Pictures: Andy NewmanThe contents of the time capsule. Pictures: Andy Newman (Image: Archant)

'The house was bought from David Michael Gayler, executor for the late Pauline Gayler, and the letter writer, Susan Demou, who might be living in Harlow, in January.'

Intriguingly, alongside some coins and a stamp, there was a large paper note inside which revealed its origins.

The note was dated Sunday, October 22, 1995, and states, 'Hello, my name is Susan. I'm the second daughter of Doreen and Bill Harvey.

'We are here on holiday to decorate and paint and wallpaper this cupboard. We thought we would make use of the holes in the wall, which were left when the old heating system came out.

North Norfolk News: Martin Braybrook with the time capsule. Pictures: Andy NewmanMartin Braybrook with the time capsule. Pictures: Andy Newman (Image: Archant)

'I thought it would be good to leave a letter for you when you either redecorated the cupboard or pulled the house down.

'We don't know how long it will be before you find this, not in this century, I suppose.

'This house was built in 1970. Doreen has only been here two years, four months.

'Please find enclosed - one 1p coin, one 5p coin, one 2p coin and one old 5p coin, and a first class stamp, which was mine and cost me 25p.

'Our mother thinks we are mad to do this, but we wanted to leave our mark and this seemed a good way. God bless all who find this and may you have a good life.'

There was also a little note, attached with a pink ribbon to the capsule, which said: 'Boo! that made you jump. do get excited, no treaser map enclosed.'