Author and TV vet Peter Wright recently returned to visit Michael Hampson’s Holly Blue Cards and Gifts Shop in Saltburn to meet fans and discuss his latest book.

"Peter, Sue and a Lot of Poo," published by Nightingale Books, is his first children's book.

He explained the inspiration for the change in direction from his previous literary endeavours. 

“My first book, ‘The Yorkshire Vet; in the Footsteps of Herriot’ was based upon working with James Herriot, (real name Alf Wight)," said Peter.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Michael Hampson with Peter Wright at Holly Blue

"My second book, ‘My Yorkshire, Great and Small’ was about the Yorkshire that I love, and my third book ‘The Tales & Tails of a Yorkshire Vet’ was a professional memoir, so I had already covered a lot of ground.

"Then I remembered an incident when we were filming an episode of Channel 5’s Animal Care Club at Grace Lane vets involving a guinea pig who had an ‘accident’ and how much the children had laughed and loved it. That brought to mind the encounter with Sue.”

He enjoyed writing the book. “I take my work very, very seriously; I don’t take myself very seriously,” he said.

After 40 very happy years at Skeldale Practice in Thirsk, three years ago Peter moved to Grace Lane Vets in Kirkbymoorside. Much of his work – he thinks about 80 per cent – is still filmed for the long running Channel 5 series "The Yorkshire Vet", which celebrated its 200th episode on May 21.

“I think the secret to the Yorkshire Vet’s longevity is the diversity of the animals and situations that we treat.” he said. “We should never underestimate what animals bring to our lives.”