A WW2 RAF uniform was found during a house clearance in Rolleston-on-Dove, Staffordshire, in a crumpled paper bag which was tied together with newspaper and string. The parcel was sent to an auctioneer who was left stunned when they found an original airman’s service dress uniform worn by RAF air crew until 1941 and ground-based staff until 1943.

       The jacket features a three-blade propellor, understood to be the rank badge for a senior aircraftman, on the sleeve as well as brass King’s crown buttons and belt.

       The wartime military uniform is expected to fetch hundreds of pounds when it goes up for auction at Hansons Auctioneers, in Etwall, Derbyshire, on September 24.

       Owner Charles Hanson said: "It was a little like finding an unopened Christmas present from a forgotten era. After discovering the parcel had remained unopened for decades, I was excited to see what lay beneath the layers of wrapping.

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       "Newspapers had a multitude of uses in days gone by. Thanks to them I was soon able to ascertain when the parcel had been wrapped up, right down to the month as well as the year.

       "The datelines on the newspapers conveniently revealed the year of publication – 1951. That meant the mystery parcel had remained untouched for 70 years.

       "This is a wonderful piece of military history, still in good condition and perfectly wearable.”

       Pages from the Burton Mail in East Staffordshire was used to wrap the item and was dated November 20, 1951, while a national paper was dated November 22, 1951.

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       Mr Hanson added: “It was also interesting to cast my eyes over those old newspapers. They revealed much about UK life in 1951 – and demonstrated how much times have changed. We have come a long way in the last 70 years, they provide a valuable social history lesson.”

       The Burton Mail’s small ads were full of pianos for sale, dancing classes and affordable transport, such as a Velocette motorbike for ￡59.

       They also included sexist job adverts such as "Girls leaving school are required for bakery work" or "Local bank requires Lady Clerk".

       Meanwhile, another national article was headlined “What the boss looks for in the ideal secretary”. Under "Appearance" it said, "she does not have scarlet talons in the office". Meanwhile "Talents" included "knows what biscuits we will not eat with our tea".