“Here comes Hurst!”

“Some people are on the pitch. They think it’s all over. It is now!” That incredibly famous commentary, as Sir Geoff Hurst galloped down the pitch before smashing the ball home to win England’s one and only World Cup, was broadcast in 1966.

Now, 50 years on, the hat-trick scoring hero was celebrating the day at The Grand Hotel Brighton, at the Best of British sporting lunch in aid of Sussex-based children’s charity, Rockinghorse.

The event raised a whopping £38,500 and saw almost 500 guests from across businesses in the county be entertained by stories from the World Cup winner as well as bidding on auction items that included a signed Lionel Messi boot and a 1966 winning England shirt signed by 10 of the starting 11.

Organiser of the day, Ryan Heal, said, “Our Best of British guests never fail to give generously and the money raised will continue the work of Rockinghorse as it looks to celebrate its own golden jubilee next year, having helped tens of thousands of Sussex children lead better and healthier lives.”