A visitor attraction dedicated to writer Alf Wright - better known as James Herriot - could be run by a charitable trust as part of plans being considered by the local authority.

Hambleton District Council (HDC) is to examine the possibility of creating a new trust to operate the World of James Herriot in Thirsk, North Yorkshire. Councillors have decided against plans to sell the attraction to a private sector company after discussions with one unnamed party failed to produce a viable option.

HDC cabinet member Nigel Clack said: "The World of James Herriot is an asset to the district and its importance to the tourism industry and particularly to the town of Thirsk is well recognised. "The council has owned and managed it for the last 11 years but at a time when there is increasing pressure on budgets we must now look at the level of funding it is allocated and whether there is a better option for it."