Alpacas delight Ripon care home residents

TWO WOOLLY fleeced, four-legged visitors have been delighting care home residents in Ripon.

Colin and Chester the alpacas, from Joe’s Alpacas Walks North Yorkshire, trotted in to see those living at Sycamore Hall Care Home, on Kearsley Road.

The fluffy duo brought smiles to residents’ faces and even reminded several of relatives who shared the same names.

Chester, who is 18 months old, wandered around the care home reception and lounge, enjoying attention, whereas the more mature three-year-old Colin spent much of the visit sat watching.

Marjorie Robinson, 89, said: “I love the name Colin. It was my husband’s name. I’d love to buy an alpaca so I could look after it.”

Joyce Mortimer, 98, said: “I have a cousin named Colin. When I see him now, I’ll always think of Colin the alpaca. My cousin’s not quite as hairy though.”

Mary Robinson, 92, said: “The alpacas were so soft. I learned they are kept for their wool and sheared once a year.”

Ewelina Sosnowska, home manager at Sycamore Hall Care Home, said: “Colin and Chester were very friendly and well behaved with our residents.

“Everyone was delighted when they walked through the door. There were huge smiles on everyone’s faces.

“Our thanks to Joe’s Alpacas Walks for bringing them to see us. We would love to welcome them back to Sycamore Hall in future.”