ST James’ School in Elstead kicked off its new term by digging up a time capsule as part of its history project.

It had been enclosed in a wall in the reception area of the Tanshire Park offices 25 years ago when the offices were built. Staff and pupils investigated the capsule’s contents, and took a look back at the history of the school and Elstead.

The children also discussed 21st century items to put into the time capsule, along with the existing contents – an Argos catalogue, a set of Mr Men books, The BFG, a school prospectus, vitamins, a tube of Smarties, tea bags, some money and a school photograph.

Stuart Gardner, high level teaching assistant and organiser of the event, said: “The time capsule didn’t have any notes as to why it was buried or when it was meant out be taken out.

“It linked into one of our projects, which included asking children what they would want to put in the capsule. One of the mother’s of a year one child was at the school 25 years ago when it was buried, so she came along.

“It was also at our summer fair. We reburied the capsule and replaced it with the children’s belongings of 2017- including a new Argos catalogue, Lego cards, a fidget spinner and a school photograph.

“The tea bags are in tea bag heaven. We also added a letter explaining what we have done and why there are two time capsules.

“The children loved it, they found it really interesting. They know all about time capsules after watching them on Peppa Pig. It was fun and quite emotional when we had to put it back again.”