YORKSHIRE'S cricketers will have an even better view of their team-mates' progress this year – thanks to the generosity of Harold 'Dickie' Bird.

The 81-year-old county president is to pay out of his own pocket for a players' balcony to be built in front of the dressing rooms in the Carnegie Pavilion.

Construction work is due to get underway in the next fortnight and the new facility will be used for the first time at the LV= County Championship game against Warwickshire, starting on Sunday, April 26.

The balcony will be built above the sightscreen at the Kirkstall Lane end of the ground, offering a fine view of Headingley's playing area.

Former Test match umpire Bird will be nominated by Yorkshire County Cricket Club's board to stand for a second term as club president at the annual meeting later this month – and he believes the new balcony will be a major addition to Headingley's facilities.

"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," said ex-Yorkshire player Bird.

"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 is indebted to Bird's kind-heartedness and considers the facility will be hugely beneficial to the team this summer.

"I can't thank Dickie enough for his efforts in funding a new balcony for the team," he said.

"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. Sitting outdoors will mean players get plenty of fresh air and adapt to the natural light.

"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."