A BRONZE statue of the author of the James Herriot books is to be created by a sculptor following a bequest from a fan of the famous literary vet.
Sean Hedges-Quinn, who has immortalised football manager Sir Bobby Robson and whose statue of Dad’s Army character Captain Mainwaring received critical acclaim, has been commissioned to work on a life-size portrayal of vet Alf Wight standing with a dog.
The artwork will take a year to complete and will be displayed in the garden of Mr Wight’s former veterinary surgery in Kirkgate, Thirsk, overlooking the World of James Herriot museum.
Thomas Blinks, a life member of the Friends of James Herriot who lived in East Sussex, left the museum funds in his will, with the sculpture expected to cost £60,000.
A £35,000 fundraising appeal has already received donations from as far afield as the US.
More information is at worldofjamesherriot.org
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here