OLD adverts painted on to the side of a Clacton shop have been uncovered after advertising hoardings were taken down.

The adverts for Ambrosia, Black Cat Cigarettes and breakfasts, teas and coffees were painted on to the side of what is now Sheen’s estate agents, on the corner of Old Road and Meredith Road.

It is thought they date back to between the First and Second World Wars – possibly the 1920s or 30s.

Clacton historian Norman Jacobs believes the shop might formerly have been a cafe.

He said: “Black Cat cigarettes were around for a long time.

“From the looks of it, it could date from the 1920s or between the wars, but I’m not really sure at the moment.

“The shop is listed in a 1947 directory as being run by J Tudor Ltd, but it doesn’t say what the business was.”

Mr Jacobs is looking into the puzzle.

James Eniffer, of Sheen’s, said: “We just arrived at work and saw the advertising hoardings had come down. We all had a good look at it – it’s very interesting.”