TOURISM in a town known for its veterinary museum has been boosted by a display of woollen creations to mark the centenary of the birth of James Herriot author Alf Wight.

Traders in Thirsk said the number of visitors had spiked since the latest show of dozens of knitted and crocheted characters by the town’s 300-strong team of yarnbombers were put up in and around the Market Place.

The creations to celebrate the birth of Mr Wight in October 1916 include a vet, a poorly dog, sheep, horses, heifers and a vet examining a cow in the fashion for which James Herriot became known on the TV series All Creatures Great And Small.

Ann Akers, who helps organise the yarnbombing group, said she had surveyed many of the firms in the town and had been told footfall had risen significantly and many customers had come specifically to see the display.

Mrs Akers, who had her cat, Tiddles, neutered by Mr Wight at his Kirkgate surgery, said her group had wanted to honour the vet who had helped “put the town on the map”.

She said: “He was a very popular man in Thirsk and helped open people’s eyes to what a beautiful place it is.”

The display follows the group winning plaudits for its work to decorate the town for the Tour de Yorkshire race.

Mrs Akers said: “The number of people joining the group is multiplying and we are getting offers of help and donations from as far afield as Bishop Auckland and Doncaster. I think we have created a monster. Business and organisations in the town are asking if they can link in with our displays. It is bringing everybody together.”

She said the Herriot display would remain on show until September 18 and the group’s next project would be for Remembrance Day.