News Release February 2019

World of James Herriot has reached the finals of two awards to be announced in March 2019

World of James Herriot in has reached the finals of two awards in 2019, the outcomes of which will be announced in March.

The first award, the winners for which will be announced on Friday 1st March 2019 is the Federation of Small Business and Humber Award for ‘Scale Up Business of the Year’ which recognises the valuable growth that the attraction has achieved in its visitor numbers and its contribution to the Thirsk economy. https://www.fsbawards.co.uk/area-finals/yorkshire-and-the-humber.html

The second award to be announced on Wednesday 20th March 2019, the British Coach Tourism ‘Best Groups Welcome Award’ recognises the positive welcome that World of James Herriot has made to group travel guests and its continuing efforts to deliver new and innovative experiences to these guests. https://www.britishcoachawards.co.uk/awards-2019/

“This is a great start to 2019 for us and to know that the people who visit the World of James Herriot have recognised and appreciate the experience what the team here deliver.” comments World of James Herriot’s managing director, Ian Ashton.

The attraction is open every day except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day and attracts many coach groups, families and a large following of James Herriot fans. It is enjoying much new attention due to the Channel 5 Yorkshire Vet TV series about the present day version of the very same veterinary practice that James Herriot made famous with his books, films and BBC TV series about his life as a country vet in what is now known worldwide as ‘Herriot Country’.

“To be recognised by our peers in the business world through the Federation of Small Business is also a very welcome addition to our many accreditations as we have worked to develop the business as a viable and successful enterprise since taking over in 2012 from the local authority.” added Ian Ashton. ‘ENDS’

For further information please contact: Ian Ashton, World of James Herriot, 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk, , YO7 1PL Tel: 01845 524234 E-mail: [email protected] Press Contact: John Gallery, vice chairman, Herriot Country Tourism. Tel: 07967 032623 E-mail: [email protected] Notes for Editors: The World of James Herriot is located in the original home and surgery of the author in the market town of Thirsk. The attraction was formally owned by Hambleton District Council and is now operated as a private business. It is the focus for the Herriot Country Tourism Group, the destination marketing membership organisation that includes hotels, guesthouses, self-catering and other visitor attractions in the area.