PATIENTS at St Mary’s Hospice in Ulverston had some camelid company as alpacas were brought in for the day.

The woolly visitors, which are native to South America, were brought to the hospice by Bardsea Alpacas, an organisation looking to set up an alpaca farm nearby.

The owners of the not-for-profit group said the animals were primarily pets and that the visits, along with the trek and meet-and-greet events they organised, took place in the summer.

Lynsey Lawson, St Mary’s clinical lead for the family support and bereavement team and the Living Well Team, said: “It was such a fantastic afternoon at the day hospice.

“Thank you so much to Bardsea Alpacas for visiting.

“It is vital to provide enrichment opportunities for patients attending our day hospice and we always welcome new activities that are going to promote interest, conversation and enjoyment.”

Since September, bed admissions at St Mary’s Hospice have been suspended while a new senior palliative care doctor is sought.

Day hospice provision has continued at the centre, with care services set to be extended to Barrow’s Living Well Centre this January.

Both centres provide space for social activities and one-to-one therapy.