An American who lived in Bermuda as a boy had a "sweet" reunion with childhood friends more than 50 years later.

Jim White lived here in 1953 while his family was stationed with the Air Force. He always treasured the time he spent with his playmates in Bailey's Bay.

Together he and his friends Gregory Outerbridge and cousins Leroy and Linda Robinson explored the remains of the original Perfume Factory and sold oleander flowers outside the old Piggly Wiggly supermarket.

They also flew kites, played marbles, shot off fireworks on Guy Fawkes Day and spun tops.

Mr. White left Bermuda in 1959 and is now settled in Houston, Texas. However he kept a picture of his friends and always planned to reunite with them.

The urge was particularly strong after the deaths of his brother, sister and mother and his own bout with cancer.

Three weeks ago while visiting Bermuda on a cruise ship a Christmas present from his fiance he got that chance.

Mr. White was only on the Island for a day-and-a-half but managed to track down his friends in that period after a chance meeting with Dockyard security guard Lynell Furbert.

She recognised Mr. Outerbridge as a former school mate and was able to locate him.

The two friends were reunited that night. Mr. White said: "When Gregory arrived at the ship 40 minutes later, we hugged as adults. He was in sheer amazement about the old picture and my memories of him and his family. They could not believe they were holding a picture of themselves from 53 years ago. The memories and excitement was absolutely unreal for us all."

Mr. Outerbridge teaches religion at Bermuda Institute,

The 63-year-old said: "I haven't seen him for over 50 years so it was a pleasure. In fact I had almost forgotten him, he had to remind me it had been so long.. (Jim) is a very friendly person and it was just exciting to see him."

The friends spent their time together exploring the Island, driving to their old neighbourhood and reliving memories.

They visited Linda Robinson's home in St. George's; Mr. White tasted loquats for the first time since leaving the Island. "I remembered those so well in my yard and haven't seen them since," he said.

The friends plan to meet up again in the near future and for the time being are keeping in touch through e-mail and the occasional phone call.

Mr. White said his six years on the Island were "the longest we had lived anywhere and my heart feels like the reunion with the Outerbridge's was like 'family'. "What a wonderful reunion — short but sweet."