Yorkshire - Heartbeat Country

Nicholas Rhea, Yorkshireman

Yorkshire, and in particular North Yorkshire, are at the heart of Nicholas Rhea's books, especially, but not only, the Constable series. So it was a particular delight for Peter Walker - Nicholas Rhea's real name - to be honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Yorkshire Rural Awards on May 22nd. The award was given in recognition of his years of hard work and dedication to his craft. He has had more than 130 books published, both fiction and non-fiction - and most of them are inspired by and set in the dales and moors of North Yorkshire.

The award was presented by former schools inspector, and now author and raconteur, Gervaise Phinn. Peter Walker received his award alongside Sir Ken Morrison of the supermarket chain Morrisons, who was pronounced Yorkshireman of the Year.

Peter Walker said: "I was most surprised and delighted to receive this wonderful award. The Yorkshire Rural Awards are highly significant because they reflect the work, skills and enterprise of people within the county. I feel extremely proud and honoured to be included in this year’s presentations."

The awards, which are sponsored by the Dalesman magazine, recognise successful small and large businesses, community groups and individuals based in rural Yorkshire.

Welcome to North Yorkshire

Yorkshire's popularity as a tourist destination has increased as a result of the Heartbeat TV series: hence such publications as the Discovery Guides to Heartbeat Country, which will prove useful to anyone trying to trace the roots of Nicholas Rhea's Constable books and the consequent Heartbeat TV series through the reality of North Yorkshire.

Peter Walker has also written non-fiction about Yorkshire, both under the name Nicholas Rhea and writing as Peter N. Walker. Some of these articles appear on these pages, and in his Aidensfield Country Diary on this site, and you will also find a mixture of background reading and practical information.

North Yorkshire Moors Railways

Heartbeat's Aidensfield Station is, in real life, Goathland Station on the unique steam railway line that crosses the moors from Grosmont to Pickering. A trip on the Evening Star train is a must for fans of Heartbeat and for steam railway enthusiasts - but everyone will appreciate the spectacular scenery.