JAMES Herriot’s first screen incarnation is returning to North Yorkshire – for one night only.

A re-mastered version of All Creatures Great and Small, starring the late Simon Ward as the world’s most famous vet, will be shown in Richmond on May 16.

And staff and volunteers from the World of James Herriot in Thirsk – situated in writer Alf Wight’s actual surgery – will be among those attending.

The film will be shown at the Influence Church in Richmond, where it was first shown 40 years ago in May 1975 when the building was the Zetland Cinema.

The film co-stars Anthony Hopkins as Siegfried Farnon and was so successful that it spawned a sequel and a much-loved and long-running TV series.

The screening has been organised by local historian and author Barclay Simpson.

“The film has not been easy to have on public view in recent years but has recently been re-mastered,” he said.

“This is rather an appropriate opportunity to see it in Richmond, which is in the heart of ‘Herriot Country’ where Alf Wight wrote his stories of life as a country vet.”

The film will be shown at 7.30pm and tickets are £6 including tea and coffee. Ten or more tickets purchased include one free.

Seats can be reserved in advance by email to richnmondsoftheworld@mail.com, by text to 07979 058010 or by contacting the Influence Church office.