FORMER St John Ambulance brigadier Ray Smith had an emotional reunion with an old friend after losing touch almost 50 years ago.

Mr Smith, 81, of Havenfield Road, Booker, could not believe it when he saw a portrait of his old school pal and ex-colleague Reuben Stretton in the Free Press in January.

Eighty-year-old Mr Stretton, who moved to Western Australia in the 1950s, was appealing to old pals to get in touch.

Mr Smith said: "We've known each other since we were lads of 11 when we both attended the Priory Road School in High Wycombe. We remained tight pals right through up to the time when we joined St John Ambulance together."

Coincidentally Mr Smith and a friend had decided to visit some of his friend's relations in Australia around the time of the article.

"It was a bit of a struggle but I tracked down Reuben and organised to pay him a visit."

He travelled to Perth on February 20 and visited his pal a few days later.

Mr Smith said: "We pulled into the drive and I immediately recognised him as he came out the front door. We were delighted to see each other and greeted each other in the old Buckinghamshire way by saying 'How been?'

"We spent a brilliant morning together, catching up on the old days and remembering all of our old friends. It was great to see him doing so well over there and to meet his lovely family as well."

Mr Smith also resumed contact with Reuben's sister Gwen Hall from Terriers, High Wycombe.