THE building where the real James Herriot lived and worked for many years has won another kind of recognition.

The former surgery and home of the late author Alf Wight is now one of the major tourist attractions in the Hambleton district of North Yorkshire.

As the award-winning World of James Herriot centre, it attracts visitors from far and wide to Kirkgate in Thirsk.

And now its place in local affections has been further confirmed with the installation of a blue plaque.

The plaque is one of 21 being sited around the town to mark famous birthplaces and buildings and it was unveiled last week by district council chairman June Imeson.

They are the idea of the Thirsk and Sowerby Past and Present Initiative under which the town, parish and district authorities are working together.