CHRISTMAS has arrived at the World of James Herriot with decorations inspired by the era that the famous vet would have been a child.

The Thirsk attraction has been decorated in an authentic 1940s and early 50s style to replicate the Christmasses experienced by the young Herriot - aka vet and author Alf Wight.

Many items dating back to the era have been donated for the special Christmas display which took centre manager Kate Pawlett and volunteers around three hours to complete.

Ms Pawlett said: "We dress the house up to take it back to how it would have been at Christmas when Alf was there and I'd like to say a big thank you to all the volunteers who help make it happen."

Under the Herriot pen name, Alf Wight penned a series of best-selling books charting his experiences as a vet in North Yorkshire.

The books were the basis of a popular television programme 'All Creatures Great and Small' and won Herriot an even bigger following.

The World of James Herriot is Mr Wight's fully-restored 1940s home and surgery in Thirsk.

Visitors can travel back in time to what life was like when he was practicing as well as stepping into the TV set and even experiencing what it was like to hide in a Second World War air raid shelter.