Young Calderdale teen stars in hit TV show All Creatures Great and Small

The wait was over on Tuesday when the first episode aired on Channel 5 at 9pm.

As well as reinvigorating the much-loved James Herriot tales that are held so dear by people across the country, Yorkshire’s own screen workers, young actors and tourism bosses are also reaping the benefits of the programme, which was filmed in areas such as Grassington and Hawes in the Yorkshire Dales.

In 1930s Yorkshire there were few people with long hair - due to the previous 1920s style but also because it was dangerous for farm workers - meaning some on set had to sacrifice their locks.

One such person was Hattie Edkins, aged 13, who had 17 inches of hair chopped off to suit the show’s style.

In the process raised £700 for the Little Princess Trust, which provides wigs for poorly young people.

The Ryburn Valley High School pupil said: “I just said straight away ‘I’ll do it’ because it’s a dream role and dream series to be in – but I would only do it if my hair could go to good use.”

It was an ideal set to work on for the youngster, who raises ewes, lambs, goats and other animals on her family’s smallholding near Sowerby Bridge, and whose back-up career, if acting does not go to plan, is to become a vet just like Herriot.

She said: “I absolutely love it. I’ve always had pets since I was born. I don’t think I would change it for anything else in the world.”

Speaking about the show, she said it was the favourite job she has done, from a list that includes Gentleman Jack, Last Tango in Halifax and a voiceover part in Downton Abbey.

She said: “I loved watching the main cast in action, they were really professional and I learned so much about the acting process from seeing them on set. Cast and crew, everyone was so friendly and even when the weather was bad, we all danced to keep warm.”

The World of James Herriot in Thirsk is also hoping that the series will help bring a new generation of fans.