A memorial plaque is to be unveiled at the childhood home in Yoker of James Herriot who became famous as the Yorkshire vet.

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

Alf’s granddaughter Zoe Wight will unveil the plaque at a ceremony today.

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

The plaque has been organised by Herriot fan David Henderson of Glasgow who was one of many millions of people fascinated by James Herriot’s stories of life as a country vet in North Yorkshire.

David said: “Alf attended Glasgow Veterinary School before moving to North Yorkshire to become a practising vet after graduating and it seemed to me that something should be done to recognise his early life in the city.

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

Zoe, who now lives near Glasgow, will be joined at the ceremony by her father Jim, colleagues and friends including Professor Ewan Cameron, the principal of the Glasgow Vet School, Professor Peter Holmes, former vice principal of Glasgow University, Glasgow City Councillor Michael Cullen, vets from the nearest practice and from the Scottish SPCA.

Representatives will also attend 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: “This is an excellent initiative and we are very pleased that David has been able to arrange the plaque at Alf Wight’s original home in Glasgow.

“It is fitting that a tribute should be set in the location where he grew up and completed his veterinary training.”