The veterinary practice made famous by James Herriot and the Yorkshire Vet will stop treating large animals in December

Skeldale Veterinary Centre in Thirsk, which was also the focus for the Yorkshire Vet TV series starring Julian Norton and Peter Wright, has confirmed it will become a small animal only practice.

Sarah Beckerlegge, Branch Partner at Skeldale, said: “I can confirm that from December 1, 2020, Skeldale will become a small animal only practice.”

Ms Beckerlegge said it was not a decision that had been taken lightly.

“We want to ensure that we deliver the very best care possible for our patients, and as a small animal only practice, we will be able to extend the level and specialism of care we provide beyond what we can offer today,” she added.

The change will end the practice’s long standing service to farm animals around North Yorkshire and which formed the basis of the books by James Herriot – real name Alf Wight.

Mr Wight, who died in 1995, worked at Skeldale for 30 years with his experiences as a young rural vet being enjoyed by a new audience recently through the remake of All Creatures Great and Small.

Yorkshire Post Country Week columnist Mr Norton left the practice after its merger with Medivet in 2018 which saw the company take a controlling stake. Mr Wright, a former apprentice to Alf Wight, remained at Skeldale.

The Yorkshire Vet series has continued following both vets at different practices.

Ms Beckerlegge said the practice realised it would be a disappointing decision for some.

“We do appreciate that our news will be disappointing for some of our clients. We have made sure all impacted clients have details of large animal vets available in the local area, but we know that focusing all our efforts and expertise on small animals means we can deliver the very best care for every patient.”

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