A VET has followed in the footsteps of Thirsk's most famous resident James Herriot author Alf Wight by publishing a book about his exploits.

Julian Norton, who is set to appear in the third television series of The Yorkshire Vet, launched his debut book, Horses, Heifers and Hairy Pigs: The Life of a Yorkshire Vet, at White Rose BookCafe, Thirsk.

The book follows the success of television series and looks at his childhood love of animals and adventures as he trained to be a vet, before moving on to his first steps in the profession, including dealing with the unexpected and sometimes exotic pets, and some excitable owners.

Mr Norton said he had enjoyed meeting clients of Skeldale Veterinary Practice - where Alf White and Donald Sinclair worked - who feature in the book.

The store's owner, Sue Lake, said sales of the book were outstripping those of the Harry Potter books.