DICKIE Bird was part of a world-renowned trio that all played cricket in Barnsley during their formative years - and they stayed friends ever since.

He played cricket for Barnsley CCC alongside Geoffrey Boycott OBE and lifelong friend Sir Michael Parkinson when they were teenagers.

Boycott was a famed international opening batsman and later went into radio and television commentary.

Meanwhile, Parky went on to become a world-famous chat show host who interviewed the likes of Muhammad Ali, Marlon Brando and Madonna on his flagship programme.

The trio reunited in 2022 at Shaw Lane Cricket Club, around 70 years after playing for the club.

Boycott paid tribute to Dickie following his death.

He said: “I have known Dickie nearly 70 years as a friend.

“When I was 15 I was taken to Barnsley Cricket Club by my uncle Algy.

“I was in awe of him because every week Dickie was the star batsman an he made half a century to get a collection.

“He was a very good technical batsman but the nerves got the better of him when he stepped up to play for Yorkshire CCC and he could never quite hold down a place in the first team.

“Surprising to those that knew him well when he became a first call umpire he was absolutely brilliant.

“He made light of his nerves, even channelled them into making a success of umpiring.

“Players all over the world respected and admitted him for his firmness, fairness and he did it with a sense of humour,

“He was loved by so many and became a legend.”