Sparky the barn owl, the inspiration behind Tees Valley author Tracey Iceton’s book Sparky – My Barn Owl Story, will appear at the World of James Herriot in Thirsk on Tuesday, August 4. Visitors can meet Sparky in the garden of the World of James Herriot between 10.30am and 2.30pm. A barn owl talk and mini flying display is scheduled for 12 Noon, weather permitting. Ms Iceton said: "I'm delighted that The World of James Herriot has invited Sparky and me to join them. Sparky was brought to an animal centre where Ms Iceton volunteered in 2022, and the two have been together ever since.