FANS of the television series All Creatures Great and Small, filmed in Grassington, are in for a treat with the publishing of The Wonderful World of James Herriot.

The new autobiography combines stories from the heartwarming Herriot books with the story of Alf Wight, the real James Herriot, through his early life and career.

His children Jim Wright and Rosie Page have done an introduction, and with great warmth they discuss his friendship with the real Siegfried Farnon, how Alf came to start writing, the success of the books and the subsequent television series and how Alf always preferred to be with his animals than in the spotlight.

To celebrate the release of the book, Rosie and Jim will be doing a series of bookshop events and signings across the Dales including The Stripey Badger Bookshop in Grassington, on Saturday, November 12 from 2pm to 4pm.

Many of Herriot’s works – including All Creatures Great and Small, All Things Bright and Beautiful, All Things Wise and Wonderful, The Lord God Made Them All and Every Living Thing – became international bestsellers and have been adapted for film and television.

The Wonderful World of James Herriot is published by Macmillan, priced £22.