WORLD Cup legend Nobby Stiles was in York today to strike home the message - "keep hearts healthy".

The 60-year-old, famed for his toothless grin and victory jig when England won the 1966 World Cup, suffered a heart attack in May while watching a game on TV.

Since his recovery he has been across the country on behalf of the World Heart Federation to promote some simple preventative measures.

He said: "It was 8.30 in the evening early in June and I was just settling down to watch highlights from a World Cup match. I remember feeling a bit dizzy, but nothing too out of the ordinary. Then suddenly, it was as if I was being stabbed through the chest with a red hot poker.

"I had never experienced pain like that before. I was rushed to hospital and told I'd had a heart attack. I'm glad I had started taking measures towards a healthier heart, but of course wish I'd started earlier."

Nobby, who played for Manchester United alongside Best, Charlton and Law, won two League Championship medals and a European Cup winner's medal during his illustrious career.

Updated: 10:55 Thursday, September 26, 2002