Earlier this year the Foundation, which was set up by the former cricket umpire, was beset by controversy after accounts revealed it had raised £130,000 but given out just £8,000.

But yesterday, as the charity presented three grants totalling £1,380, its secretary Les Smith said trustees had co-operated with the Charity Commission and been cleared to continue.

However, the Commission is understood to be continuing an investigation into the running of the Foundation in previous years in a bid to find out what happened to some of its cash.

Mr Smith said: "What has happened over the last few months is that we have taken advice from the Charity Commission and have worked very hard to do everything they asked of us.

"They are now highly delighted with everything we have done and we have held meetings with them on several occasions. They told us we can continue just as we were before.

"The Charity Commission is looking into the dealings of the Foundation in previous years, but we have been assured that is no reflection on the running of the charity or the present trustees.

"The last meeting I had with them was on July 2 and they said it should be business as usual."

Concerns were originally raised over the charity, which was set up by the Barnsley-born former Test umpire in 2004, when serious discrepancies were noticed in accounts filed for 2004 to 2007.

The papers, which were lodged with the Charity Commission, revealed that more than £120,000 was spent on running costs for the Foundation – including £62,368 to organise fundraising events.

The figures also showed that while consultants racked up bills of about £13,500 and marketing costs came in at more than £20,000, disadvantaged children received just £7,807.

Annual reports submitted with the accounts referred to several problems, including what the trustees called the "financial failure" of a fundraising event at Scarborough Cricket Club.

The papers also said that the Foundation was taking legal advice over the involvement of its former chief executive Keith Harrison. Mr Harrison has denied any wrongdoing whatsoever.

Mr Smith said that legal action had now been dropped against Mr Harrison and said the Foundation wanted to continue with its work without further controversy or interruption.

Grants yesterday went to Sheffield basketball player Sirena Sampson, 12, who received £280 towards her travel costs and Barnsley dressage rider Bethany-Jo Lagan, 15, who was given £600 to buy equipment.-

The third grant was paid to the Marrow brothers from Barnsley who play roller hockey. Joel, 12, and Leigh, 15, were given £500 to help them compete in the junior Olympics in the United States.

Mr Bird said: "Of all the things that I achieved in my career, it is the opportunity to give something back through my Foundation that gives me my greatest pleasure.

"I am delighted to help these youngstersand look forward to following their progress. The Foundation's first beneficiary was Andrew Yoxall, a jockey from Barnsley, who is looking forward to his first ride in the pro ranks."