AIRMAN John Flynn lived his dream of running out on the Wembley turf for the FA Cup final after his boss delayed his tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Flight Sergeant Flyn, 41, who is based at RAF Lyneham, was one of the assistant referees at the match between Chelsea and Portsmouth on Saturday and rubbed shoulders with a number of the World Cup bound England stars including Frank Lampard, John Terry and David James.

He was due to be in Afghanistan on duty during the match, which Chelsea won 1-0, but his boss made special arrangements for him to go later so he could ref the game.

Flt sgt Flyn, originally from Oldham, is a member of the Royal Air Force Referees Association, who started Refereeing in 1993 .

He said: “The appointment to officiate in the FA Cup Final is the highlight of a match official’s career.

“I am delighted and honoured to be given the opportunity at this momentous occasion.”

He was due to be in Kandahar, where the Hercules Force is providing crucial support to the efforts in Afghanistan, but his boss, Officer Commanding 24 Squadron, Wing Commander Andy Bacon negotiated a later deployment to theatre for John, allowing him the time to fulfil his sporting dream.

Wing Commander Bacon said: “The Hercules Force is heavily committed to Operations in Afghanistan and Flight Sergeant Flynn epitomises our people – fighting fit, dedicated and committed.

“I look forward to deploying with him to Kandahar later in the year, where I know, just as in the cup final, he will keep a watchful eye on things and be firm yet fair.”

Previous major appointments for Flt Sgt Flynn include two Football League Cup semi-finals, the FA Trophy Final and also a League One Play-Off Final.

Flt Sgt Flynn, who is a Weapon Systems Operator, has served at various Units throughout the United Kingdom and Germany, as well as on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

He is married to Catherine and has two girls, Amy, 15, and Lara, six.