WAXWORKS of some of James Herriot's most endearing characters are set to become permanent residents in Thirsk.

The well-to-do Mrs Pumphrey and her pet dog Tricky Woo, believed to have been based upon two local clients of the real James Herriot, vet Alf Wight, were popular characters in the Yorkshire-based books and television shows.

Now they will take up residence in the World Of James Herriot Museum, in Kirkgate.

The life-sized models have been created by York model-making company Kari, and modelled on Hambleton's museums officer Margi Tipton.

And a model of a television cameraman, to add to the existing attractions, was based upon a cast of the authority's tourism manager, David Shields.

Mrs Pumphrey and her Pekinese dog will now stand in the vet's waiting room, while the model cameraman will be in the reconstructed TV studio.

Updated: 10:42 Tuesday, April 15, 2003