Workmen renovating the old Palace Cinema in High Street, Burton Latimer, made several interesting finds while clearing out some cellars.

Among articles unearthed were an old clay pipe, a bottle which is believed to have been made some time during the last century, and a slide for a magic lantern, advertising a play called "Journey's End" - and subtitled "A tragic story with utter simplicity".

Mr Thomas Dodd, owner of the cinema, said yesterday: "I don't know how old these things are but they must be of a fair age." Mr Dodd is planning to open a cafeteria at the cinema and the renovations are preparing the way.