As the victorious team lifts the coveted trophy during this weekend's FA Cup final it will spark a poignant memory for one of Lowestoft's leading businessmen.

Eastern Daily Press: A young Adrian Parton with his father�s FA Cup handiworkA young Adrian Parton with his father�s FA Cup handiwork (Image: TMS Media)

For Adrian Parton, owner of Ivy House Country Hotel, in Oulton Broad, it is a proud reminder of his late father's pivotal role in making the iconic football cup.

Ernest Parton was a silversmith and during his 32-year career he was responsible for crafting some of the world's most prestigious cups and trophies.

The UEFA Champions League Cup, Sports Personality of the Year, World Snooker and the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race trophies are all a result of his handiwork.

Mr Parton senior, who died in 2014, aged 85, became an apprentice silversmith after he left the army in 1949 and combined his studies while working at Hampton Utilities in Birmingham.

Eastern Daily Press: Son Adrian Parton, who lives at Oulton BroadSon Adrian Parton, who lives at Oulton Broad (Image: TMS Media)

In 1962 he began his career at JT Deeley in the city's jewellery quarter and was subcontracted to repair the third FA Cup in circulation.

He went on to produce the fourth of five FA Cups made to date, which players celebrated with from 1992 to 2014.

Mr Parton was also responsible for the enviable Miss World crown, which boasted 400 precious stones, and the famous Blankety Blank cheque books.

His son, who has owned Ivy House since 2013 said: 'He was an amazing character, worked 66 hours a week and only ever had three days off sick.

'He worked in the jewellery quarter and ended up with cadmium poisoning from the solder. It left him with 15pc lung functions resulting in chest infections, but it rarely stopped him.

'He was most proud of the Leyland DAF Cup as it was a very intricate process with foliage made of silver.

'My dad was my hero, never mind the Richard Bransons of this world. He was a true grafter and wanted the best for his family, I was very proud of him.'

Mr Parton senior, who was an Aston Villa supporter, gave a photograph album of his work to his grandsons and a copy is in Birmingham University's library.