A VISITOR attraction that charts the work of North Yorkshire vet and author Alf Wight has been officially told it "measures up" as a museum.

The World Of James Herriot, in Thirsk, has received "accredited status" from the Museums Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) under a scheme which sets nationally-agreed standards for museums in the UK.

Those passing the test must prove they meet guidelines on how they are run, look after collections and meet customer needs.

The scheme is recognised as one of the most innovative and effective developments in museums in recent years, leading to improved standards not just in this country but also overseas.

Visitors to the Herriot centre, which celebrates its tenth birthday next year, are taken on a journey through the 1940s.

They can check out the TV and literary world and see the largest collection of veterinary equipment in the UK.

Temporary exhibitions are also staged - the current displays look at the war years when people grew a great deal of their own food. Home Front runs until November 9.

Centre manager Alison Scurrah said: "This accreditation is a wonderful achievement for the council, the centre and its staff.

"All the hard work over the last nine years, as well as those before the centre opened when we were amassing equipment from vets around the country, has paid off.

"We are constantly building on our work here, improving our collections and displays, so there is always something new for our visitors to see."

Keith Crawshaw, trustee director for the MLA Yorkshire, said: "Being awarded accreditation is an impressive achievement.

"It recognises the high standard and service that the World Of James Herriot provides and acknowledges the hard work of the staff."