Modernisation works have helped hotel staff have an insight into its past after they discovered a ‘time capsule’ dating back more than 50 years.

Sidmouth Herald: The note found inside the tabocco tin.The note found inside the tabocco tin. (Image: Archant)

A tobacco tin with a note was found in the walls of the Belmont Hotel while workers were renovating room 308.

The note was written by two tradesmen who had carried out work back in 1962.

It read: ‘This alteration was done in February 1962. Carpenters on this floor was W Sellick and Dave Hammett and this tin of tobacco cost me five shillings and six pence’.

More discoveries were made under the floorboards when the men found a Mars bar wrapper, a golden wonder crisp packet, mortgage advice brochure and pages of a 1933 edition of the Daily Mail.

Sidmouth Herald: All of the items found during the renovationAll of the items found during the renovation (Image: Archant)

Marc Coulson, buildings and maintenance manager for the Brend Hotels said: “I think it’s very interesting It’s been sitting there for 50 years.

“It will be put back in the wall and we will add something to it.”

Sidmouth Herald: All of the items found during the renovation work.All of the items found during the renovation work. (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Herald: An advert for the 25th anniversary of Selfridges were among the finds at the Belmont Hotel.An advert for the 25th anniversary of Selfridges were among the finds at the Belmont Hotel. (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Herald: Marc Coulson showing the note found in the tin.Marc Coulson showing the note found in the tin. (Image: Archant)