Alfred James Wight, the real Vet behind the character of James Herriot, was born in Sunderland in 1916. He graduated in 1939 from Glasgow Veterinary College and took up his first appointment in Thirsk at the surgery of Donald Sinclair, where he was then to spend the rest of his life. In 1941 he married Joan Catherine Danbury before leaving to serve his country in the Royal Air Force, returning to his beloved work after the war. Two children also added to his family: Jim and Rosie. His first scripts were submitted in 1969, already aged 53, but success with his first book took a year to arrive. His pen name was taken from his own middle name and the surname of a Birmingham City goalkeeper. The town of Darrowby was based on Thirsk and all characters in his books reflected people from is own life - even his children whose names he did not change. Seven books were published in quick succession: If only they could talk (1970) It shouldn't happen to a Vet (1972) Let sleeping vets lie (1973) Vets in harness (1974) Vets might fly (1976) Vets in a spin (1977) Two further novels emerged when it was thought that Alf had finished writing for good: The lord God made them all (1981) and Every living thing (1992). The BBC series All Creatures Great and Small was based on his novels. In 1979 he received the OBE but literary fame and fortune always remained a part time role, he never relinquished his post as veterinary surgeon at Kirkgate Surgery, Thirsk. He passed away on Thursday 23rd February 1995 after suffering from prostate cancer. Donald Sinclair, Alf's veterinary partner, and base for the character Siegfried Farnon, also died in 1995, aged 84. And now the World of James Herriot Centre has opened to commemorate his life and work....why not pay it a visit?

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