MEMENTOS of Banbury's history have been unearthed underneath a demolished church.

When Fairway Methodist Church was knocked down in January to make way for a new housing project, builders discovered a time capsule buried in the ground nearly 60 years ago.

Among treasures in the capsule, originating from 1957, were old versions of national and Banbury-based newspapers, a copy of Reader's Digest and letters between church staff.

A poster was also found for a fundraising appeal for the building of the original church in 1957, which was then known as Ruscote Methodist Church.

The church's original cross and foundation stone were also salvaged from the rubble.

Reverend Victoria Bravette, from the church, said: "We actually have a few members who were part of the church who are old enough to remember what happened at the time.

"They knew when the capsule was buried but most of us didn't know what was in it until it was uncovered."

Work began last month to build 11 two- and three-bedroom affordable homes on the church site.

A new purpose-built two-storey church is also planned for the site.

But unlike it's previous brown colour, the new building will be made of multi-coloured bricks.

Its rainbow colours were picked out by members of the congregation.

The box will now be reburied under the new building, after its contents have been examined by church leaders.

It will be topped up with modern versions of the town's newspapers - including a copy of the Oxford Mail's sister paper the Banbury Cake.

Rev Bravette added: "We are hoping that people will find the box years from now, and will be able to look back at 1957 and 2016.

"Looking at pictures of 1957 you can see that a lot has changed, there were only a few women in the congregation but there are lots more now."

John Donaldson, head of housing for the district council, said the capsule provided "a fascinating glimpse" into what life was like in the 1950s.

He said: "This project is all about building for the future but in doing so, we are respectful of the past.

"For almost 60 years this church has stood at the heart of this estate and we know it will hold strong memories for thousands of people who have celebrated and mourned the milestones of life or taken comfort from weekly services.

"We will now honour those memories of the past by adding them to our own time capsule from the present, ready to be unearthed one day in the future."

Planners are hoping to include the cross and foundation stone as part of the design for the new building.