Final farewell to umpire Shepherd

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Final farewell to umpire Shepherd

Hundreds of people packed a north Devon church for the funeral of the former cricket test umpire, David Shepherd.

"Shep" officiated in 92 Tests and 172 one-day internationals, including three World Cup finals.

The funeral of Mr Shepherd, who died in October aged 68, was at the parish church at Instow where he lived.

He was famous for hopping at the crease between deliveries when the score was on "Nelson" - totals with a multiple of 111 - considered unlucky in cricket.

Many mourners stood outside the packed church, listening to the service on loudspeakers as the ceremony was held.

Shepherd officiated in 92 Tests and 172 one-day internationals

Mr Shepherd, who was born on 27 December 1940, in Bideford, played county cricket for Gloucestershire from 1965 to 1979.

He umpired from 1981 to 2005 and stood in his first Test match at Old Trafford in Manchester in 1985 when England played Australia.

He lived in Instow with his partner of 36 years, Jenny.

He died on 28 October after a long battle with cancer.

A memorial service is to take place at Holy Trinity Church, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, on 26 November.