A MUSICAL about the world's most famous vet will be unveiled in the attraction he once called home.

The World of James Herriot centre, in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, will host the first airing of songs from the show at 11am on Yorkshire Day -August 1.

The writer and composer of the show will be joined by three local singers to perform excerpts.

Herriot is a musical by Scottish author Mike Gibb, who was inspired by a visit he made to the James Herriot centre last year.

He said: "I followed a young couple around the centre who kept reading the storyboards about Alf Wight, the real James Herriot, and exclaiming 'I didn't know that'.

"I knew then that people are fascinated by his life and want to know more about the real James Herriot - and a great way to tell them is through music.

"Writing this musical has been a labour of love-I am a long-time devotee to the Herriot books and the TV series. I feel very privileged to have been allowed to tell his story in this manner.

"To be allowed to launch it in the centre from which I drew inspiration, and a place that meant so much to Alf, will be very special."

The musical is based on Mr Wight's life from his arrival in Thirsk in 1940 through to his death 55 years later.

Music for the show, which Mr Gibb hopes to see launched in a Yorkshire theatre in the next year, was written by Thirsk music teacher Ian Kirk.

Published: 26/07/2005