A TIME capsule containing a fascinating glimpse into the history of a York church has been unearthed in the city.

No one knew the time capsule - hidden away nearly 100 years ago - existed until builders renovating Trinity Methodist Church, in Monkgate, found it in a wall this week. Among the church documents and papers discovered in the sealed glass bottle was a copy of the Yorkshire Herald - now the Evening Press.

The Rev Jeff Thomas said the capsule was found behind a plaque in the entrance to the church, which is undergoing extensive renovation.

"It is a very exciting find," he said.

"And it is interesting that the people who hid it were going through the same process of designing, paying for and building their church as we are now."

The two-pint bottle had been sealed with a cork and wax on November 28, 1901. It also contained two preaching plans - rotas for local preachers - a booklet on Primitive Methodism, and an advert for the church's stone-laying ceremony.

Descendants of some of those named in the preaching plans still attend the church.

Church treasurer Harold Hodgson, 80, was present when the capsule was opened, and was amazed to see the name of his uncle, Robert Henry Frear, who was a lay preacher and farmer from Haxby.

"It was a pleasant surprise and interesting to see his name written there," said Mr Hodgson.

"I had never seen his name written down before and I had forgotten he had been a local preacher."

The time capsule's contents are to go on display at the church.