The granddaughter of James Herriot, the famous Yorkshire vet, has unveiled a plaque at the ground floor tenement flat in Yoker where he spent his childhood.

Alf Wight spent his first 20 years at 2172 Dumbarton Road before assuming the Herriot pen name in later life.

Alf was the author of the books on which the TV series All Creatures Great and Small was based.

Three generations of the Wight family were represented at Friday’s ceremony, attended by around 50 guests.

Son Jim was there to see the plaque unveiled by daughter Zoe, who brought along her daughter Nina.

And to complete the veterinary theme, Christopher Forrest of Yoker Housing Association brought along his golden labrador Nicki.

The plaque was organised by Herriot fan David Henderson of Luss, who was one of many millions of people fascinated by James Herriot’s stories of life as a country vet.

David told the Post: “There was a crying need for a plaque at what was Alf’s childhood home. Name me another author who has been as successful, having sold over 90 million books in 20 languages, and the TV show is still running on Channel 5.

“I am grateful for the support of the World of James Herriot and Yoker Housing Association for their help in staging the event.”

Although Alf was born in Sunderland, he lived at the Dumbarton Road flat from the age of three weeks to 20 years.

He attended Glasgow Veterinary School before moving to North Yorkshire to become a practising vet.

Guests at the ceremony included Professor Ewan Cameron, the principal of the Glasgow Vet School, Professor Peter Holmes, former vice principal of Glasgow University, Glasgow City councillor Michael Cullen and vets from the nearest practice and from the Scottish SPCA.

Representatives also attended from the World of James Herriot Thirsk, which, prior to becoming a visitor attraction, was the vet and author’s home and surgery in the town that was named in his stories as Darrowby.

Ian Ashton, managing director of the World of James Herriot, said: “We are pleased David has been able to arrange the plaque at Alf Wight’s original home. It is fitting that a tribute should be set in the location where he grew up.”