As young boys growing up in West Bowling they were inseparable.

They were born in the same street, were pupils in the same class at school, and shared a passion for Western films at the cinema.

They all pursued a career in engineering, married and had children - and their friendship is still going strong 65 years on.

Now Gerald White, Jeffrey Webster and Brian Butler have all retired together and will celebrate with a joint trip to sunny Florida.

The trio - dubbed The Silverdale Road Gang after the street where they spent their childhood - think their friendship is unusual.

"I don't think we have ever fallen out," said Gerald, who lives in Odsal.

"When you are brought up together you are more like brothers."

Gerald retired from his job as a self-employed textile engineer on his 65th birthday in March, followed by Jeffrey, of Wrose, who worked as a police officer at Bradford Central.

Brian, who also lives in Wrose, has left his full-time job in the sales office of a Leeds-based food company.

The men, who were born within two months of each other, have been through thick and thin.

"To keep in touch for 65 years is quite special and we do have a laugh together," said Brian.

"We also have 133 years of marriage between us - I don't think you'd get that now."

The men, who went to Woodroyd School, are all avid Bradford City fans and members of Bolton Villas Cricket Club.

Their wives, Patricia, Maureen and Shirley, say the secret to their husbands' lasting friendship is their laid-back temperament and good humour.

As dapper 16-year-olds in 1954, the lads took a trip to Blackpool together.

"We went on holiday for seven days and it was the first time we had ever been away," said Jeffrey.

"It was in the days where you couldn't get on the beach if it was sunny."

Now they are looking forward to good weather in America and have designed T-shirts for their retirement tour.

"We have booked tickets for the sunshine deck," said Gerald. "We are definitely doing this in style."