A YOUNGSTER will take a star role in the tenth anniversary birthday celebrations of the World of James Herriot.

Sam Marchant, ten, of Sowerby Primary School, will cut a birthday cake as the centre, in Thirsk, officially celebrates its landmark.

The cake was specially designed for the event by the youngster as part of a series of events set up to mark the birthday.

Local schoolchildren were asked to design a cake for the centre, on Kirkgate, and Sam’s design won it.

His prize was a trip to the centre with his classmates for an anniversary tea-party on June 15.

The event will replicate a 1940s war time party with long trestle tables with Spam sandwiches and carrot cookies.

They will also tour the World of James Herriot including its basement based replica air raid shelter.

The World of James Herriot was officially opened on June 14 1999 by actor Christoper Timothy television’s James Herriot.