Fifty years of hurt, but their smiles are still gleaming.

More than 95,000 crammed into Wembley Stadium on July 30, 1966, to witness history.

The lives of those lucky enough to see England lift the World Cup trophy for the only time in the country’s history were changed forever.

But, for Richard Rook, 72, and Brian Graves, 75, Saturday’s anniversary celebration was extra special as they reunited to remember the glory days after losing contact for decades after celebrating that Wembley win.

Waving his England flag and proudly displaying the cup final match programme, Tylers Green resident Richard revealed “we didn’t realise what it meant at the time”.

Having worked together in Watford, Brian invited his colleague to the final after paying to see all the London matches for £9 – more than the average weekly wage at the time.

With the England team, led by captain Bobby Moore, on the edge of glory and a nation hungry for success, the friends say they will they never forget the experience.

However, over the years the pair lost contact and did not meet for more than 30 years, only sending Christmas cards reminiscing about the old days.

It was their friendship and love for the game which eventually brought them back together and those special memories came flooding back as they met for the 50-year anniversary.

Mr Rook said: “We never met for 30 years until recently, but both being together at Wembley 50 years ago we never forgot that moment.

“How did we know they were going to win or that it would be one of the biggest days in our history?

“Back then we didn’t realise it would be something they would fail to do for another 50 years.”

“It’s remarkable really when you think about it and we were lucky to be there.”