England World Cup winner and Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton passed away at the 86 on Saturday, but one lucky man had a chance meeting with the football great in Welwyn Garden City.

Graeme Bell bumped into Sir Bobby at BULK DIY Warehouse - now home to B&Q - where he could scarcely believe the man who helped the Three Lions win the 1966 World Cup was selling spades for the company.

"I went in there one Sunday, about 35 years ago now, and found Bobby selling garden tools. He was obviously employed to circulate all the stores and boost sales," said Graeme.

"We must have talked for nearly 10 minutes in the fairly empty store. He was interested to hear I was a Sunderland supporter and we swapped stories about our native north-east. He was shy to the point of reticence. He certainly wasn’t a salesman, but he was an attentive listener.

"It was difficult to believe this modest chap was the World Cup hero, Manchester United star and Munich air disaster survivor, standing next to me with a garden spade in his hands.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Charlton was one of the stars as England won the 1966 World Cup.Charlton was one of the stars as England won the 1966 World Cup. (Image: PA Images/PA Wire)

"He didn’t press me to buy anything and I didn’t, but I did think afterwards how astonishing it was that he was reduced to flogging spades.

"I can’t imagine any ex-Premier League players having to do the same, or if they did, sparing the time to listen to a stranger droning on about his favourite team and his home town."

Graeme admitted he was in "awe" of Sir Bobby, but left the store "embarrassed" have not purchased anything.

READ MORE: Hatfield's Birchwood set for new pitches in £1 million investment

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The football world paid tribute to Sir Bobby over the weekend.The football world paid tribute to Sir Bobby over the weekend. (Image: PA Images/PA Wire)

"I remember after I got home thinking I wish I’d asked him about this and that, but I was a bit in awe of him," he continued.

"I was in my scruffy jeans and he was smart as a button. Blazer and grey slacks with creases as sharp as a knife. No airs or graces.

"I felt a bit embarrassed that I didn’t buy any of his garden tools-not even a trowel! I hope he wasn’t being paid on commission.

"Sir Bobby Charlton, a sensational footballer and really decent man, rest in peace."