The contents of an unearthed 1957 time capsule have been reburied, along with some modern-day items including this week's Isle of Wight County Press, as the refurbishment of a church continues.

The 170-year-old Newport Minster, in St Thomas' Square in Newport, is undergoing major work and contractors made a surprising discover, earlier this year.

Hidden in wooden ducting, under the old organ, was a 1957 copy of the News Chronicle paper and a note, signed by four people and dated October 22 of the same year.

It read: "Cigarettes. 20 for 3/11. Beer (much too dear at 1/4 a pint).

Read more: Isle of Wight church renovation unearths 1957 time capsule

Isle of Wight County Press: Scouts, Minister's experts and Lucy Morgan, co-editor of the County Press mark the moment the time capsule is replacedScouts, Minister's experts and Lucy Morgan, co-editor of the County Press mark the moment the time capsule is replaced (Image: IWCP)

"The first Russian, in fact the first ever satellite, was sent off from earth on October 4. It has now circled the earth 258 times, spanning 3,000,000 miles."

Meanwhile, the 1957 paper reported the Duke of Edinburgh had had to walk to his New York hotel after getting stuck in rush hour traffic, as well as concerns over atomic bombs.

Two half penny pieces were also found — one from 1936 with the King on and another from 1954, featuring the new monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.

Hannah Griffiths, community engagement coordinator for the Minster, explained the church's organ was rebuilt in 1957 and she suspects builders left the surprise package behind.

She said: "The new spot is about four metres away and the time capsule was magnificently preserved.

"It's really nice to be putting things back that the next people who do work in here will find - hopefully in another 170 years or so." 

From Stoneham Construction, Paul Butcher is overseeing the renovation.

Isle of Wight County Press: Newport Minster is undergoing work until EasterNewport Minster is undergoing work until Easter (Image: IWCP)

He told the County Press: "My colleague, Mikey, found it. No-one knew what it was, so we pulled it out and had a look."

After being documented, the original items have now been rehidden, along with a King Charles III coin and a copy of this week's Isle of Wight County Press.

Covered by a slate slab, paving will now be laid on top.

Among those who were there to witness the moment were members of 7th Newport Scout Group.

Beaver Scout Dexter, said: "We buried a time capsule. I think there'll be flying cars when it's dug up again!"

Alice said she thought people will still be eating vegetables and fruit in 170 years and we'll still be wearing dresses and shorts, while Scout Alfie said: "The next person to see this will probably be someone religious, because it's in a church.

"If I could have put anything, I would have added a joke, like, "What do you call a cow with no legs?

"Ground beef!"

Isle of Wight County Press: Hannah Griffiths, Community Engagement Coordinator for the Minster, left.Hannah Griffiths, Community Engagement Coordinator for the Minster, left. (Image: IWCP)

Hannah Griffiths, left, and Vicky Scovell, with the original 1957 paper and a copy of this week's County Press 

Paul said: "In our note, we wrote about what's happening today and the lads who are on site.

"Hopefully our work will last a long time before anyone sees it again."

The main photo shows: from front left, Jackson, Alice, Louie; middle from left, Dexter, Alfie, Dan; back from left, group scout leader Wendy Steen, assistant Beaver leader Phil Coward and Olivia, Kyle, Lilly and Leonie. Gemma Canfield is behind the group.

On course to be completed by Easter, the project will see new underfloor heating and toilets, a cafe area and a meeting room.

The works have been made possible thanks to funding from a number of initiatives, including The National Lottery Heritage Fund.