Tucked away at the back of the shed at Stokers Siding Public School near Murwillumbah, a pair of long-handled paddles were the only things worth saving.

The set, thought to be about 90 years old, had been hidden away for decades.

Sports teacher Rod Hollis said he initially had no idea what they were.

"I've been here a fair while, over 20 years, and I had never seen them before," Mr Hollis said.

Wanting to know more, school representatives got in touch with the Tweed Regional Museum.

Curator Erika Taylor said it was a thrilling find.

According to Ms Taylor, the bats were used by the school's vigoro team in the 1930s.

The museum has a newspaper clipping from 1934 detailing the team's trip to play in a vigoro tournament in the neighbouring village of Burringbar.

Ms Taylor said vigoro was invented in England in 1901 as a suitable sport for women, and it became popular in Australia in the 1920s and 30s as women's movement became less restricted by corsets and other Victorian-era clothing.

She said the sport was a cross between tennis and cricket, played with overarm bowling. 

"These paddles are in fabulous condition," Ms Taylor said.

"They've got a beautiful age to them and they can just tell so many stories of this little regional school in the Tweed Shire."

The bats will be the centrepiece of the museum's Game On exhibition, which will focus on historic toys and games, next summer.

Preservation work will involve freezing the bats to kill off any bugs or spores, a gentle cleaning and reconditioning.

Ray of light during flood recovery:

Stokers Siding Public School principal Justine Griffin said unearthing a small part of the school's history had created a ray of light among the dark clouds of last year's floods.

Ms Griffin said floodwater stagnated under the school buildings, ruining all its resources and equipment.

The school's 28 students had to make do with makeshift classrooms set up in the administration building and the outdoor covered learning area. 

Ms Griffin said the school was still recovering.

"When you think of everything that was thrown out, I was thrilled that we had the forethought to hang on to these rather than letting them go to the tip," she said.

"We are thrilled that their history has come out and they can be treasured for generations to come."

As for the students, they are happy to try a new sport with the old equipment.

School co-captain Sienna said vigoro was a lot of fun.

"It's actually such a fun game, playing it," she said.

"It's more entertaining, and you get everyone together and it's a nice thing to play with others."

Original Story By | Hannah Ross