Crisp packet from 1970s blew into Sennen garden

Woman holding crisp packet and picture frame
Image caption,

Janet Midwinter is planning on framing the crisp packet for show at the recycling point at Sennen Market

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A crisp packet from the 1970s was found on the ground inside the gate of Janet Midwinter's garden in Sennen, Cornwall.

The amateur archaeologist thought it must have blown in off the back of a truck having been dug up after being buried in some soil or rubble.

The packet, although somewhat dishevelled, clearly shows 4p and the star logo which was famous for Crispi Crisps.

Emily Stevenson, the co-founder of Beach Guardian, said crisp packets break down into micro-plastic in the sea, only those that are buried survive.

Image caption,

Crispi Crisps were famous for their star logo and older version had prize tokens inside

Mrs Midwinter has framed the packet and intends to put it next to the recycling point at Sennen Market as a warning to people about how long a crisp packet takes to break down.

"I can only think it was probably a dump truck maybe going past or somebody that has been digging up the ground... it's been sat somewhere for a long time."

"Let's try and get rid of the plastic. If one crisp packet can last that long what are we doing to the planet?," she said.

"Just try and recycle as much as you can and try not to buy too much plastic."

Image caption,

Although rough round the edges it looks like the packet was buried in soil

It is difficult to put a time frame as to when the crisp packet was made.

Costing four pence it has to be post decimalisation, which was introduced in February 1971.

However, it does not appear to offer the star token that made the brand famous.

The manufacturers Meredith and Drew sold Crispi Crisps from the 1960s until the 1990s.

The company was later taken over by United Biscuits, which also owned KP snacks.

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