YORKSHIRE president Dickie Bird is paying for a new players’ balcony at Headingley.

The legendary former Test match umpire is providing funds for the balcony to be built in front of the dressing rooms in the Carnegie Pavilion at the famous ground.

Construction work is due to get under way in the next fortnight and the new facility will be used for the first time when the reigning LV= County Championship division one champions take on Warwickshire on April 26.

The balcony will be built above the sight screen at the Kirkstall Lane end of the ground directly behind the bowler’s arm, offering a fine view of Headingley’s playing area.

Bird, 81, who will be nominated by the Yorkshire board to stand for a second term as club president at the annual general meeting later this month, believes the new balcony will be a major addition to the facilities at Headingley.

“These lads have given me so much pleasure over the past 12 months with their magnificent performances in the Championship and I wanted to reward them for their efforts,” he said.

“I want to invest in the team and give something back. When Martyn Moxon (director of cricket) and Mark Arthur (chief executive) said that the players need to have their own external balcony, located directly behind the bowler’s arm, I had no hesitation in making it happen.

“They will benefit from being outside watching the cricket rather than being behind glass in the current viewing area. It will also enhance the Carnegie Pavilion and create a focal point at that side of the ground.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the project come to fruition and being around to unveil it to the players in the next couple of months. These are very exciting times for Yorkshire cricket and the club as a whole.”

Moxon said: “I can’t thank Dickie enough for his efforts in funding a new balcony for the team.

“The players’ are delighted and it will add to their comfort in preparation for performing on the field. Our current viewing gallery can get a little claustrophobic, particularly on warm days.

“When I told the team it was happening they were very pleased and even more so that Dickie is funding the project. He is well respected in the dressing room and the fact he never misses a game is testament to his passion and love for Yorkshire cricket.”