MORDEN Hall opened its gates, as people had the chance to get up close with its resident alpacas. As one of the largest alpaca farms in the South East of England, Morden Hall in Guilden Morden, is home to more than 80 adult and baby alpacas and they have

MORDEN Hall opened its gates, as people had the chance to get up close with its resident alpacas.

As one of the largest alpaca farms in the South East of England, Morden Hall in Guilden Morden, is home to more than 80 adult and baby alpacas and they have been successfully breeding them for the past nine years.

To promote alpaca farming and to raise funds for The Stroke Association, Morden Hall held its fourth annual open day on Saturday.

Peter Garner of Morden Hall said: "We wanted to raise awareness for alpaca farming, as well as raising money for a charity that I have supported for many years.

"The day was well received and everyone had a good time - including the alpacas."

More than 400 visitors took part in handling classes and spinning and felting demonstrations.

There was also an alpaca judging competition and an opportunity to buy garments made from the animals' fibre.

Visitors also witnessed the launch of Morden Halls brand new range of knitwear, which is made exclusively from the Morden herd.

Mr Garner added: "Most visitors found the alpacas very fascinating and gave them lots of attention.

"The alpacas are generally calm and they cope with attention very well.

"They are fantastic animals, that are intelligent, proud, inquisitive and easy to handle - in fact each one has its own character."

- Morden Hall raised £850 for The Stroke Association, a national charity committed to helping stroke sufferers of all ages, through research, treatment, and rehabilitation.

For more information on Morden Hall's alpacas visit www.mordenhall.co.uk