Designers are ready to transform Alf Wight's former surgery in Thirsk into a £1.4 million international tourist attraction.

And The World of James Herriot is already looking set to attract tourists from around the world, with journalists from America, Australia and across Europe already beating a path to the door to tell their readers about the new museum.

Coach operators are also targeting the centre for parties of Herriot fans, with 11,000 already expected to come next summer.

Building work on the building in the centre of Thirsk will be completed later this month, enabling designers to move in to create a lasting tribute to the vet-cum-author.

Thousands of veterinary artefacts have been donated to create displays on veterinary science, past present and future, while the technical content of agricultural and livestock displays will be guided with advice from the Rare Breeds Survival Trust and the Countryside Foundation for Education.

Public donations towards the cost of the museum have totalled £282,000, and there have been donations from businesses and vets from around the world.

Hembleton District Council is hoping the centre will give a big boost to the local economy, with spin-off benefits for shops and businesses in the market town from visitors stopping off the see the World of James Herriot.

Council leader Councillor June Imeson said the Herriot books and accompanying TV series were popular across the world. The authority had always been confident that the museum would have worldwide appeal, and this was now being confirmed by the level of interest from abroad.

Meanwhile, Thirsk Chamber of Trade has helped set up a discount scheme, with each ticket to the centre coming with four tear-off money saving coupons which can be cashed in shops and businesses.

Participating shops will display their chosen discount on special Herriot posters.

Joint ticketing arrangements with other attractions in the district are also being explored, so that they stay in Hambleton and give the biggest possible boost to the local economy.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.