CHILDREN at Kirkby Malham Primary School enjoyed a glimpse behind the scenes into the making of hit television drama All Creatures Great and Small.

Production Designer Tom and Art Director Emma Goodwin talked to the children about their work on the popular show, which is filmed on location in Malhamdale, Grassington and elsewhere in the Dales.

Assistant headteacher Amanda Allen said: “The children were enthralled hearing what goes on behind the scenes in All Creatures Great and Small to recreate the 1940s surroundings which the real James Herriot would have known.

“It was fascinating to learn about all the different jobs which are done, from creating authentic plastic food to fake cow hooves. Tom and Emma shared with the children their sketch books, research files, the actual props they have used on the show, and even a prosthetic puppy!

“The children were fascinated to see small models of the sets made by Emma and used by the art department.

“It was a very interesting morning and we would like to thank Tom and Emma for giving up their time to share details of their work with us. It was a brilliant opportunity for the children to see how Emma and Tom use their creative skills in their work and their visit has certainly inspired them.”

Emma said: “We were delighted to visit the children at Kirkby Malham and share how All Creatures Great And Small is put together. They asked lots of brilliant questions and hopefully have learnt a little bit more about what goes on behind the camera in making a television programme.”

Tom  can be seen discussing his production design work on Boxing Day on Channel 5’s Yorkshire Vet Meets All Creatures Great and Small (airs December 26 2023 at 6pm on Channel 5). Tom’s latest art direction work can be seen on ITV’s Archie, a Cary Grant biopic filmed in Liverpool and Spain in 2022.

Emma’s latest art direction work, Here, starring Tom Hanks and directed by Robert Zemekis, will be released in early 2024.

All Creatures Great and Small Christmas Special will be screened on Thursday December 21 at 9pm on Channel 5.

"It's Christmas, and James is miles away at the RAF training base," reads the storyline. "An emotional phone call with a very pregnant Helen makes him determined to get back to her, but he doesn't have many options and RAF Mascot, Georgie, needs his help."