A delicate operation brought the latest exhibit to The World of James Herriot, in Thirsk - the car used by the great vet in his reincarnation in the television series All Creatures Great And Small.

An Austin Seven car is lifted into the World of James Herriot centre at Thirsk

The Austin Seven Tourer, which dates back to 1934, was airlifted by crane into the backyard of the Herriot centre and will form the centrepiece of a new exhibition in the foldyard.

The next stage will be to turn one of the adjoining rooms into a replica cow byre and position the car outside with the driver's door open as if James Herriot had just arrived for an appointment.

Actor Christopher Timothy, who played Herriot in the series, drove the car to the centre when The World of James Herriot was officially opened back in March last year.

Since then it has been completely refurbished by local car enthusiasts Bob Wilkinson and John Potter, of Bridge Garage, Thirsk.

Stuart Gill, manager of the Herriot centre, said: "It is a very exciting development.

"The car is over 60 years old and while mechanically it has not been touched and can therefore still be driven, it has had to be reupholstered and the bodywork panels made secure."

The World Of James Herriot has attracted more than 71,000 visitors since it opened ten months ago.

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