A GROUP of Australian vets who are also fans of the stories of James Herriot have donated a cheque for £2,000 to his legacy fund.

The World of James Herriot, in Thirsk, accepted the cheque from the Australian Cattle Veterinarians Association after the group raffled off a quilt created by members across Australia.

The proceeds went to the James Herriot Legacy Fund which provides bursaries for people who want a career looking after animals.

(CORR)Nico Qin, a trade partner of the association, was the winner of the Cattle Practice in Australia quilt - which was a collective creative work of members from across Australia, and was raffled off at the World Buiatrics Congress, which studies cattle diseases, in July.

Ann Cover, the association’s executive officer said: “We decided to donate the proceeds from the raffle when we received news about the James Herriot Legacy Fund, which provides bursary support for young people who wish to become vets and other animal care related vocations.

“Many of our members have visited the World of James Herriot, his books are widely read and members tell us they were influenced in their career choice through them.”

Ian Ashton, managing director of the World of James Herriot, said: “We are delighted to have received the very generous £2,000 gift from our Australian supporters which has further boosted the legacy fund - the aim of which is to provide bursaries for people wishing to embark on a career concerning the welfare of animals, and for whom the James Herriot stories may well have been an inspiration.”