VISITORS flocked to an open day at an alpaca stud farm to get up close and personal with the exotic creatures.

Appledene Alapacas, Marden, currently has 26 of the animals, which originate from South America. Their fleeces are sold and made into wool.

Owners Sara and Maurice Claydon have been opening their doors to the public for the past few years after realising how intriguing they were to passers-by, who regularly stopped and got out of their cars to take a look.

“Alpacas are very relaxing, that’s their beauty,” said Mrs Claydon. “They hum to communicate and it can be very calming if you’re feeling stressed.”

The last open day is on Sunday (September 7) from 10am-4pm. Admission free but visitors are asked to make a donation to the Kent Air Ambulance.