THIS is the first glimpse of the bronze statue of Dickie Bird that's going to dominate one of the approach roads to Barnsley.
Sculptor Graham Ibbeson has depicted the former Test umpire with his famous cap, light meter and raised finger.
But before Dickie selected the final version Graham produced two miniature statues with different facial expressions.
Graham said:"One has a smile and the other a stern look and Dickie finally selected the one with the grin."
The 6 ft 6 ins high statue is expected to cost £70,000 and has been funded by a group of anonymous businessmen from Yorkshire.
Talks have been held with the council and the statue will be put on a grassed area near the roundabout at the top of Church Street, only a few yards from Dickie's birthplace.
A road sign will have to be removed and the site checked for underground cables but the planning application is expected to be a formality.
