FORMER cricket umpire Dickie Bird was back to the game he loves yesterday - inspecting the pitch for a star-studded charity match.

The match, at Scarborough Cricket Club on August 21, is part of the resort's annual cricket festival and will see the Old England XI take on Lashings International XI.

All those taking part will be former Test cricketers. The international side will be cricketers from the West Indies, South Africa and Australia.

Umpiring the match on the day, will be BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration.

The match has been organised in aid of the Dickie Bird Foundation, which helps children and young people from less privileged backgrounds to take part in the sport of their choice.

"We are looking forward to a great day of first class cricket bringing together some of the world's cricketing legends," said Mr Bird yesterday.

"It is going to be a marvellous day out for all the family and we hope people will enjoy coming along to help boost the foundation's funds."

There will also be prize draw on the day to win a new car.

For more information on tickets and other Dickie Bird Foundation events, call (01943) 873482 or log on to the website www.thedickiebirdfoundation.org