The spot in Upper Norwood where a dog found the World Cup has been marked with a commemorative plaque.

In March 1966, Pickles, a four-year-old border collie, discovered the trophy lying by the wheel of a car on Beulah Hill, after it had been stolen from a display cabinet in Westminster a week before.

Adam Thoroughgood, 36, was surprised to learn that nothing marked the historical spot and took it upon himself to ensure the dog’s act was recognised, installing a plaque on September 15.

Mr Thoroughgood, from East Dulwich, said: “During the World Cup I was reminded of the story of Pickles, so investigated to find out where it was.

“I was surprised when I found out there was nothing in place to mark the spot where the trophy was discovered, and it felt a shame not to commemorate or recognise it.”

English Heritage, a historical charity, installs blue plaques across the country to mark where notable events occurred.

Mr Thoroughgood’s tribute is an unofficial version, similar in design.

Google Maps already shows a marker where the discovery supposedly occurred, but Mr Thoroughgood, who conducted his own research, feels his plaque better reflects the correct location.

“I did some research using online forums and found an old picture of Pickles at the spot where they recreated the incident soon after it happened.

“It was a pretty amazing thing to happen.

“I ordered the plaque myself back when the World Cup was still on - it seemed like the right thing to do, with footy coming home and all.

“It only arrived this month.”

In the run up to England hosting the 1966 tournament, the World Cup was displayed at Methodist Central Hall in Westminster.

Managing to evade round the clock security, a thief stole the trophy on March 20.

A week later, Pickles was out for a walk with his owner David Corbett, when he made an unexpected discovery by the wheel of a neighbour’s car.

Wrapped up in newspaper was the golden Jules Rimet trophy.

Becoming a household name, Pickles was crowned ‘dog of the year’ and even made an appearance at the England team’s celebratory banquet after they won the trophy that summer.

Sadly, his life was cut short a year later, when he was strangled by his choke chain after it caught on a branch as he chased a cat.

Mr Thoroughgood said: “Finding out how he died a year later was tragic.

“It was a short life, but a worthy one."

The plaque can be found tied to a tree on Beulah Hill, between the Elizabeth Way and Spurgeon Road turnings.