A RYEDALE author whose first book – All Teachers Great and Small – was a big success will launch its sequel next month at a Malton bookstore.

All Teachers Wise And Wonderful is another James Herriot-style humorous recollection of life in the the Dales by former teacher Andy Seed, who now lives in Amotherby, near Malton.

The book again recounts his hilarious experiences following his move from York in the 1980s to work in a village school.

Instead of animals and farmers, the stars are again the young characters in his classroom and his staff room colleagues.

Andy, a University of York graduate who underwent teacher training at what is now York St John University, told last year how his success in winning a three-book deal from major publisher Headline was the culmination of almost a decade of hard work.

Extracts of his first book were published in a national newspaper and agents have been interested in a possible future TV adaptation, although nothing has been confirmed as yet.

The new book, which costs £14.99, will be launched between 10am and 2pm on Saturday, July 7, at Hoppers bookstore in Malton. Last year’s launch was a record-breaker for the shop, with more than 100 signed copies sold.

The launch of the book comes as the son of James Herriot author Alf Wight praised efforts to boost interest in The World of James Herriot in Thirsk, following a sharp drop in visitor numbers to the attraction last year.

A concerted marketing and branding drive was launched, the centre was given a facelift and a new TV series about the Young Herriot was broadcast at Christmas, and the attraction has now seen a ten per cent increase in visitor numbers.

Alf’s son Jim said he believed the centre now had the potential to attract tourists from across Britain and overseas, and he felt confident his father’s literary work would be remembered in 100 years.