CHRISTMAS has arrived at the former home and surgery of Britain's most famous vet.

The James Herriot centre in Kirkgate, Thirsk, has been bedecked with Yuletide decorations - all in the style of the Fifties. Paper chains festoon the rooms along with holly, ivy and the traditional tree.

Meanwhile, an antique family heirloom belonging to Alf Wight, the world famous writer and vet behind the James Herriot books, has returned to its home after a gap of half a century.

The sideboard is one of the family's oldest possessions and it has been donated by Mr Wight's children, Jim Wight and Rosie Paige.

The hand-crafted, smoked oak piece of furniture was one of Mr Wight's most treasured posessions.

The centre is running a two-for-the-price-of-one admission offer through its web site at www.worldofjamesherriot.org.