A MESSAGE in a bottle found in Hove could have been sent by a 1950s pop-singer, one man has said.

Iain Williams wrote to the Argus after reading about the discovery of letter, which had been tucked away inside a bottle for 60 years before washing up on the beach.

Indiana Tarrant, 21 and Luca Gamberini, 21, were skimming stones on Hove beach on Tuesday, February 2 when they made the unusual find.

At first they thought the bottle was empty, but when they opened it they discovered a letter dated August, 7 1961.

Mr Williams said he thinks that the letter, which was sent from the Pleasure Beach in Blackpool, could have been written by English musician Robert Earl.

The Argus: A poster from Robert Earl's performance in Blackpool in 1961A poster from Robert Earl's performance in Blackpool in 1961

The letter is signed by “Bobby Doseuegs and Mates” and is dated to August 7, 1961, which coincides with a string of performances by Robert at Blackpool’s Regal Theatre.

“Bobby” writes about musicians including Buddy Holly and muses over the prospect of visiting America – all of which, Mr Williams says, led him to believe that it must have been written by a musician.

He said: “I had an inkling that someone from the entertainment industry had possibly written the letter – most people wouldn't mention the name of a current pop star when they write a letter and place it in a bottle.

The Argus: The letter was signed by "Bobby"The letter was signed by "Bobby"

“The closest theatre to the Pleasure Beach was the Regal Theatre on the South Pier. The theatre no longer remains.

“Let's remember, the bottle would probably have been thrown into the sea from the end of one of the piers in Blackpool rather than from the beach.”

Iain also suggested that perhaps “Bobby’s” surname is not 'Doseuegs' and that the original name has been washed away and altered with time.

He said: Could Bobby be Robert Earl's pet name? Could the 'Mates' he refers to be Robert's fellow performers in the show?

“Also, take into mind, the bottle was sealed with wax. The bottle must have been prepared beforehand, so it wasn't just thrown into the sea on a whim.

“In the letter, Bobby yearns to visit America. Robert Earl now lives in America, so his dream came true.”

Robert Earl, 94 retired from performing in 1970 after a 20-year career and achieving three chart-hit singles.

He is the father of Robert Earl, the founder of American restaurant chain, Planet Hollywood.

Representatives have been contacted for a comment.