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You never know what lurks beneath your sofa...

It’s more than loose change and coins that have been found hiding down the back of a sofa. Some amazing finds apart from the usual chocolate digestive crumbs. It has become a standard procedure for many when you realise that an item has become lost, to turn to your upholstery first. A lot of the time you’ll probably discover the missing item straight away.

Any search down the arms and under cushions of our sofas will probably unearth the usual collection of keys, pieces of Lego, pens and pencils lurking in the hidden depths. However, recently two young friends from Baltimore, USA were almost scared to death on discovering a 4.5 ft boa constrictor hidden under cushions on the sofa where they were seated. Animal rescue operatives had to be called to remove the apparently unharmed snake. It isn’t known how the snake managed to find its way to the sofa but it left the family decidedly uncomfortable when using the settee.

A couple from Bristol, Christine and Nigel Strange became convinced that their sofa was in fact haunted. The couple were convinced of this after hearing rhythmic creaking noises from inside the furniture. The couple became so afraid that they avoided the sofa altogether. The phenomenon has been scientifically investigated but no reasons given for the noises.

It can prove to be quite profitable delving the hidden depths of some furniture, especially when purchased second-hand. It’s not unknown for wads of £5 or £10 notes to be found, expensive jewellery, rings, bracelets etc. have also been discovered.

Last year a couple spotted a sofa on sale at a local car-boot sale for £10, and decided to purchase. When they got it home and started cleaning down the arms and under the cushions, they couldn’t believe their luck to discover a diamond ring glistening among the debris of biscuit crumbs and dust. A jeweller later valued the ring at around £500!

Even ordinary items can bring a profit. Last year a 5 year old Cadbury’s Wispa bar was found down the back of a sofa and placed on the auction site EBay. Believe it or not this unusual find raised much interest and the item finished bidding at over £200, the money given to charity.

However, losing items down your much loved item of furniture can also result in losing cash and future career plans. A London man on his way to a final interview for a lucrative city job became completely frustrated when unable to find his car keys to drive to the important appointment. Having searched all over the house, from top to bottom, the keys were nowhere to be found. They were eventually located tucked under a sofa cushion, but much too late to attend the interview. The other applicant was given the job.

Families spend so much time relaxing on sofas, playing video games, watching TV it’s not surprising that so many items find their way to the sofa’s dark hidden depths. Check your sofas now, you may be pleasantly surprised!