A Nintendo Wii, an X-Box, mobile phones and trendy trainers.They are among the symbols of childhood in 2008 which future generations will discover when they dig up a time capsule buried at a Norfolk shrine at the weekend.

A Nintendo Wii, an X-Box, mobile phones and trendy trainers.

They are among the symbols of childhood in 2008 which future generations will discover when they dig up a time capsule buried at a Norfolk shrine at the weekend.

About 200 youngsters from across the country who attended the annual Children's Pilgrimage at the Anglican Shrine at Walsingham, near Fakenham, wrote letters suggesting items to reflect what life is like for today's seven-11 year-olds.

Father Philip North, shrine administrator, was impressed with the work they had put into their letters.

“There was some really lovely stuff and they used their imagination,” said Father North, who stressed the importance of the annual Children's Pilgrimage.

“They are the future and the present. Church is dead without children and the vitality of their faith is so wonderful. We invest a huge amount in young people and it is absolutely essential.”

The pilgrimage weekend includes upbeat worship, walking the Holy Mile, workshops, games, mass and a disco.

Copies of the Fakenham and Wells Times and sister paper the EDP were also buried in the time capsule, which has been buried under the new Milner Wing of the Anglican Shrine.

The Milner Wing forms a central part of a major redevelopment of the shrine's welcome and reception ministry - made possible by the Walsingham Appeal which continues to attract donations from all over the world.

The redevelopment of the Milner Wing will modernise and extend Stella Maris, one of the oldest accommodation buildings.

It will contain a visitor centre and a new pilgrim reception area, plus many completely refurbished bedrooms with bathrooms and disabled access.