Weekend gales in St John’s Wood have damaged Lord’s famous weather vane Father Time.

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Father Time, who has stood at Lord’s since being donated by architect Sir Herbert Baker in 1926, encountered some unexpectedly fierce turbulence – and found himself flat on his back.

Staff from Marylebone Cricket Club, which owns Lord’s, were naturally taken aback when they spotted him in disarray as they arrived at work – and will soon ensure he regains full pride of place.

This is not the first time Father Time has been injured by the elements after he was struck by lightning in 1992.

He was also knocked completely off his perch when hit by a barrage balloon during the Blitz – before spending the rest of the Second World War in a cellar.

As the new English cricket season fast approaches it is hoped that Father Time, known to millions in the cricket world and beyond, will be helped to recover his equilibrium back in his age-old stance in time for start of play on April 12 – when Middlesex begin their LV= County Championship season at home to Nottinghamshire on April 12.