A nine-year-old boy who won an award for litterpicking has found a Fanta bottle dating from the 1960s on a beach.

Theo Yeldham is a familiar sight in Hemsby combing the shoreline for litter and clearing up after summer crowds on the sands.

He was with his mum, Hannah Yeldham, on the beach on June 25 when he spotted a Fanta bottle poking out of the dunes.

The bottle had been buried in the cliffs for the last sixty years but has recently been uncovered by coastal erosion. 

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The Fanta bottle had been buried for approximately 60 years under the sands at Hemsby beach. The Fanta bottle had been buried for approximately 60 years under the sands at Hemsby beach. (Image: Hannah Yeldham)

READ MORE: Nine-year-old Theo scoops BBC climate champion award

Ms Yeldham said: "The Fanta bottle was the first old thing Theo found. He was really proud he found something so old. 

"The only way I could age it was to go online," she added.

Theo also found a Walkers crisp packet dating from 1997.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The Walkers crisp packet, dating from 1997, on the right, beside a more recent pack. The Walkers crisp packet, dating from 1997, on the right, beside a more recent pack. (Image: Hannah Yeldham)

"For me it’s amazing they’re still in almost pristine condition. This proves that things don’t break down and decompose," Ms Yeldham said. 

On that day, the mother and son duo hauled home half a bin bag's worth of mostly plastic rubbish - as well as a car tyre which Theo pushed all the way from the beach to their house.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Theo, 9, rolls a car tyre away from the beach at Hemsby. Theo, 9, rolls a car tyre away from the beach at Hemsby. (Image: Hannah Yeldham)

"And that was only a quick litter pick as we had the dog with us. We can get double that when we have more time," Ms Yeldham said.

Previously, they have found crisp packets dating from the 70s and 80s.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Theo Yeldham with the rubbish he collected from Hemsby beach on June 25. Theo Yeldham with the rubbish he collected from Hemsby beach on June 25. (Image: Hannah Yeldham)

READ MORE: Young Theo named litter picker of month for ridding village of rubbish

Ms Yeldham, a seal warden, said that her son has seen seals entangled in plastic rings so has witnessed first-hand what happens when rubbish gets into the sea. 

Theo has become a familiar figure on the beach near Great Yarmouth and he has his own blog page Jr Seal Ranger Theo documenting his rubbish finds.

Last year, he won a BBC Bitesize award for his efforts after being nominated by his teacher.