SIGNED, sealed, and not delivered for over nine years – the story of a parcel that has only just returned to sender.

Retiree Michael McQuaide was shocked to discover a familiar package on his doorstep on Monday.

Upon closer inspection, the 67-year-old Chandler's Ford resident soon realised it was a roll of vinyl he posted to a customer on October 23, 2013 - which never reached its destination.

'I couldn't believe it' 

Daily Echo: A shocked Michael McQuaide with the parcelA shocked Michael McQuaide with the parcel (Image: Maya George, Newsquest)

Speaking on the baffling experience, Michael said: “It was quite strange to see this package arrive on my doorstep.

“I posted the package around the time I started my business Union Mart which was about nine years ago.

“Since then, the business has moved about four times and expanded but my home address has stayed the same.

“In the past, we’ve had people phoning up to say their package had not arrived and Royal Mail was not reliable, but I never expected anything to come back.

“It was a surprise to see it and when I looked at it, I couldn’t believe it. The date on the package still says October 23 2013.”

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Unopened for nine years 

Daily Echo: Michael McQuaide picking up his returned parcelMichael McQuaide picking up his returned parcel (Image: Maya George, Newsquest)

The package’s original destination was Bridgend in Wales but for some unknown reason, it never landed on the doorstep of its intended customer.

Michael opened the package on Tuesday to discover the vinyl fully intact, although beyond its use-by date.

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He said: “The package is looking a bit old but it’s the same as it was when I posted it.

“It’s still in the same packaging and has not been opened until now.

“A label on the package says, ‘unable to deliver this item.’ It’s all a bit unusual.

“I never expected things to go missing, and nowhere near for this length of time.

“I was looking out for the postman today to ask him about it and where it’s been.”

Daily Echo: The parcel that went missing for nine years The parcel that went missing for nine years (Image: Maya George, Newsquest)

Unfortunately, Royal Mail does not have an answer to this mystery.

A spokesperson said: “Incidents like this happen very occasionally, and we are uncertain what happened to cause this incident in this instance.

“We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused.”

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