THE cricket world's favourite umpire Dickie Bird was a sell-out success when he signed copies of his latest book during a visit to Worcester.

The legend's new book, Dickie Bird's Britain, is peppered with anecdotes from his 30 years behind the stumps.

In it, he recalls his travels around the country and the people he has met, including five-times Olympic gold winner Sir Steve Redgrave and impressionist Rory Bremner.

The Barnsley-born 69-year-old - real name Harold Dennis Bird - also writes about every day people such as Macmillan nurses and the owner of his favourite Pennine transport caf.

"It was fantastic, we sold out of stock and I think Dickie really enjoyed himself," said Chris Townsend, manager of Waterstones book store in High Street, Worcester.

"People in Worcester know their cricket and he enjoyed that.

"People weren't just coming because he was Dickie Bird but because they wanted to talk about Worcestershire Cricket Club and cricket in general.

"Because he was so popular, we're trying to get him back."