SENIOR travel agents jetted thousands of miles from America to Thirsk to find out what the World of James Herriot has to offer.

Six senior agents from the USA made a fact-finding visit to be able to better recommend the attraction to their customers in America.

Following their tour of Herriot Country, the group was given a personal guided tour of the World of James Herriot by Jim Wight, son of Alf Wight (James Herriot).

The group asked many questions about the author’s life and the books he wrote and were presented with a DVD of the recent 100th Anniversary Dinner for the vet and author, a guidebook about the World of James Herriot and several items of memorabilia as a reminder of their special visit.

The attraction’s managing director, Ian Ashton, said: “This visit is another example of the importance of the World of James Herriot to its worldwide audience.

“We have visitors from all over the world, but the USA is without doubt where James Herriot’s books found their greatest popularity.

“To have welcomed such a high level group of agents in one visit is excellent news for us.”

The agents represented travel companies from across the States, including from New York, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia, among others.

The visit was arranged by Paull Tickner, director of Custom GB, whose portfolio of tour ideas includes the Yorkshire Dales.