THE BURIAL of the Eden Time Capsule marked a crossroads in history last week, and signals the run-up to the opening of the new Eden centre in March.

People of all ages flocked to the site of the Eden shopping centre in High Wycombe on Tuesday to watch as the artefact was entombed in a shaft beneath what will become the shopping centre's Public Square.

Winners of a competition run in the Bucks Free Press to decide what would go into the time capsule were presented with their prizes following a speech by the centre director Daniel Tomkinson.

The artefact was then lowered into the ground to a background of smoke and flashing lights, not to be seen for the next 50 years.

Among the revellers were South Bucks' youngsters who hope to witness the uncovering of the capsule in five decades time.

Georgina Cheeseman, 15, lives in Flackwell Heath. Her mother, Ginny, suggested that a selection of programmes from the Wycombe Swan theatre be put in the capsule.

Georgina said: "I think it's a really great idea. It really brought the community together."

Lexi Dove, 15, lives in Bourne End and said: "I think it's a very good idea, and it's great how many people have shown up to show their support.

Chris Stratford, 12, suggested burying a Wycombe Wanderers programme. He said: "The time capsule is different - you don't see that every day."

And what did he hope to be doing in 50 years time? Chris said: "I'll be making my millions."