THEY might be well past their sell by date - but you don’t get a much more romantic memento than this box of chocolates.

The 66-year-old chocolates have been given to York’s Chocolate Story by 104-year-old Albert 'Bert' James who has shared their unique story.

In 1953 - the year of the Queen's coronation, Bert began dating his future wife Joey (pictured below). At the time, it was traditional for young men to present their sweethearts with a gift before each date.

York Press:

Flowers were customary, as were chocolates, but Black Magic were marketed as the special gift; the pinnacle of romantic presents.

The couple went on to marry and they treasured the gift throughout their 40 year marriage.

Joey died in the 1990s and now Bert has donated the chocolates - which are intact and practically untouched - to York’s Chocolate Story.

Bert said he kept them as a reminder of the happy beginning to their relationship; a positivity that carried on throughout their marriage.

Stuart Wood, the general manager of York’s Chocolate Story, said: “These are the real human stories that you can’t just find in a book.

"This is what we are all about at York’s Chocolate Story.

"There’s nothing quite like a love story, and this one is particularly special.

"We definitely weren’t expecting something like this.”

The limited-edition box was released to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, and has a slight misprint on the box, making it a totally unique and invaluable item.

It is currently on display in York’s Chocolate Story

Before Black Magic were launched by Rowntree’s in 1933, chocolate boxes were incredibly expensive and usually only available for the wealthy.

In addition, there was no uniformity to the individual products that they contained, the attraction said.