Everyone who's old enough ... ... and even those who aren't - will be aware of the "heady excitement" that prevailed away back in 1966 when *England won the World Cup.

But, ... not many knew that *they very nearly didn't!

Eh? How come?

Because ... it had been stolen - shortly before the tournament began - right under the noses of the round the clock police guard while on display in central London.

Investigations by Scotland Yard's finest, failed to locate its whereabouts.

PANIC! was until 'Pickle' the mongrel collie - out for a walk with his owner - "unearthed" the coveted trophy!

See ... www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-35803741 + video footage!

Sadly, Pickle died the following year after choking on his lead while chasing a cat, and is buried in his owner's garden.