Anthony CarrollThe sights and sounds of 1979 are back to the fore in a Norfolk village thanks to a long lost time capsule.Anthony Carroll

The sights and sounds of 1979 are back to the fore in a Norfolk village thanks to a long lost time capsule.

Thirty one years ago, children at Acle's former primary school filled a container with what they thought represented a snap shot of life in the late 1970s.

And four decades later the time capsule was opened by their young successors after it resurfaced after being missing for more than two decades.

Youngsters at Acle St Edmund Primary School excitedly gathered around the capsule on Thursday as the capsule revealed its contents.

Items that had remained hidden for 31 years included photographs of pupils in their playground, a cassette recording of their voices, pens, rubbers and a Pluto toy.

The capsule also contained essays by the 1979 pupils on Minis, Abba and the latest fashions.

Headteacher Paul Henery said the capsule would help his pupil hone their research skills as they delved into the history of 1979

He said: 'It is interesting to see what the children in 1979 thought would be important to put in the time capsule.

'They all clearly had put a lot of thought into it.'

Thursday's opening of the capsule had also solved a puzzle over what had happened to the capsule.

Acle's old primary school in the Street was knocked down in 1980s to make way for homes.

At the time, the capsule had been found under a toilet block by workman and had then languished on the shelves of contractors Parnell Brothers until earlier this year.

The capsule was given to the school by Peter Crook, of South Walsham and whose daughter is the partner of Michael Parnell, of Parnell Brothers.

What would you put in a time capsule to remember 2010? Contact Evening News reporter Anthony Carroll on 01493 847955 or email anthony.carroll@archant.co.uk