TOURISM bosses in North Yorkshire believe a new TV series based on the early life of vet James Herriot will boost attractions in the region.

The Herriot Tourism Attractions Group, which represents 130 organisations in Hambleton and Richmondshire, said the three-part drama based on the early life of the character will be “a fantastic opportunity to revive interest in the James Herriot brand” more than 20 years after All Creatures Great And Small was last broadcast.

Young James Herriot will be aired on BBC1 in the run up to Christmas. Phil Bustard, manager of the town’s The World Of James Herriot museum, said: “To have something on a par with Downton Abbey will be brilliant.”