A NEW appointment has been made to the board of directors at the World of James Herriot Ltd.

The award-winning Thirsk attraction has welcomed Kathryn Pawlett onto their main board.

Managing director Ian Ashton said: “Kathryn has been an employee of the World of James Herriot since 2000 when it was operated by Hambleton District Council.

"For the past eight years Kathryn has been the centre manager for the newly formed private limited company operating the World of James Herriot Ltd since 2012 .

"We are delighted to have Kathryn join us as a reward for her hard work, loyalty, and extensive knowledge, and we welcome her to the board.”

Since 2012 the attraction has been run by a team of Herriot enthusiasts with a vision to continually develop it.

The board includes the author’s son and daughter and a small number of local businessmen and women.

Ms Pawlett said: “Every day I meet many interesting people from all over the world who all enjoy so much the interpretation and information about Alf Wight and his former home and surgery.

"It gives me a real buzz to be involved in running the centre and I am delighted to be joining the board to help to steer its future strategy especially with the new 'All Creatures Great and Small’ due on our TV screens on Channel 5 from this autumn.”