Care home residents were delighted when a pair of alpacas dropped in to say hello.

The woolly camelids, called Luke and Padrig, visited Pendean House Bupa Care Home in West Lavington, Midhurst, to spread some joy and help residents relax.

The visit was arranged as part of the home’s ongoing animal therapy, which aims to engage residents and boost their mood.

Dunreyth Alpacas Farm, in Chichester, is a family run business that prides itself on animal safety and welfare.

A resident taking a picture of an alpacaA resident taking a picture of an alpaca (Image: Pendean House Bupa Care Home)

Residents admired and petted the animals and took lots of photographs of them.

The animal visits are said to help alleviate stress and depression, as well as combat loneliness.

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Resident Keith Sandall, 90, said it was a lovely surprise.

 “I couldn’t believe there were two alpacas in our home – they were extremely cute and friendly,” he said.

“They loved getting stroked on the neck and petted by everyone.”

Activities co-ordinator Emma Chambers, who set up the visit, said everyone was overjoyed.

“Our residents loved watching Luke and Padrig walk through the home, stopping by everyone,” she said.

“They were all so excited for their turn to stroke them and seeing their faces light up with a smile was fantastic.

Residents were delightedResidents were delighted (Image: Pendean House Bupa Care Home)

“Some residents are still talking about how much they enjoyed the visit. Animal therapy is so beneficial; we can visibly see the difference it makes as residents relax and smile. Pet therapy offers significant benefits for our residents as it triggers the release of endorphins.

“Thank you so much to Dunreyth Alpacas Farm for making the visit so special.”

For most people, animal therapy prompts the body to release serotonin, prolactin and oxytocin. These hormones generate a relaxation and stress-reducing response.

Alpacas originate from the Altiplano plateau in west-central South America, around Peru, Chile and Bolivia. Their wool is hypoallergenic.

Pendean House Bupa Care Home supports residents in need of nursing or residential care including those living with Parkinson’s.