The Prince of Wales met cricket umpiring veteran Dickie Bird during his first visit to Barnsley, South Yorkshire. The encounter took place at a bronze statue erected in 2009 to honour Mr Bird, which depicts his classic pose of giving a batsman out.
During their conversation, Prince Charles expressed hope for an improvement in the England cricket team's performance. Mr Bird said: 'He said to me 'I'd like to see England do a lot better in this Test series'. I said 'I would as well'.' The prince also asked whether the sculptor had correctly depicted the umpire's finger.
Mr Bird described the visit as a very special occasion for Barnsley, stating: 'The heir to the throne in my own town is just marvellous. Barnsley deserves it. I never left the town. I was born and bred in the town and they are wonderful, wonderful people.'
Earlier, Prince Charles arrived at Wakefield, West Yorkshire, on a 1950s steam engine. At Kirkgate station, he unveiled the renamed Britannia steam locomotive, restored from an engine originally built in 1951. Pop producer and train enthusiast Pete Waterman introduced him to young people involved in the restoration. After unveiling the name plaque, the prince patted the locomotive and said: 'Jolly good engine.'
