Though he was generally regarded as a not-outer, he enjoyed the respect and affection of every player he came across, primarily because he officiated with humour and integrity.

As a statement released by his beloved Yorkshire put it: ‘Dickie Bird became a national treasure, known not only for his umpiring excellence but also for his eccentricities and warmth.’

A fervent royalist who claimed to have met the Queen 29 times, he was made an MBE in 1986 and an OBE 26 years later, in recognition of his contribution to the sport.