Shropshire alpaca show hailed a great day by fans
[gallery] Their wool is prized as a luxury item, they are excellent guard animals for chickens and they love company – with so many positive qualities it's little wonder alpacas are enjoying a surge in popularity across the UK.
The appeal of the south American animals saw hundreds of visitors flock to Telford International Centre for the British Alpaca Society National Show – the first time an alpaca show of such scale has been held in the county.
More than 50 exhibitors travelled from across England and Wales to take part and 375 animals were judged in the arena.
Among the winners was Summerdale Zimba, a 19-month-old alpaca who was crowned grey reserve champion.
His owner Caroline Vickery, from the Wealden herd in East Sussex, said: "The judges particularly liked he density of his fleece and colour. Over the years we've won a lot of competitions with our flock.
"We do about two shows a year and this is quite a long way to come, but it's been a very good show."
Another winner was Greg – full name Rushmore Gregorius – from Rushmore Alpacas in Leighton Buzzard in Bedfordshire, who seemed to enjoy his moment of fame. Owner Jo Parker said: "He coped very well with the travelling to the show. It is a lot further than we normally travel, but alpacas are very sensible and as soon as they start moving, they sit down."
It was the first time the show had been held in Shropshire but Reverend Harry Edwards, one of the organising committee, said it had proved a hit.
Rev Edwards, who owns Mulberry Alpacas in Knockin Heath, near Oswestry, said: "It's the first time there's ever been an alpaca show in Shropshire. I was asked to join the organising committee because I'm a local alpaca breeder.
"The show has been a great success. People have commented that this is the best national show ever and that this is a fantastic venue.
"We would like to see this coming back to Shropshire again.
"The atmosphere in the hall is relaxing and even the animals are laid back."
Entry fees were given to the Severn Hospice and a fundraising auction was held at a gala dinner on Saturday night.
Interesting facts about alpacas:
Alpacas originate from the Altiplano (high plain) in west-central South America. This area of the Andes averages nearly 4,000 metres above sea level.
There are two types of alpaca the huacaya alpaca and the suri alpaca. Alpacas are closely related to the llama.
Alpaca fibre is one of the most luxurious fibres in the world. It comes in 22 officially recognised colours and every shade in between.
They are said to be very good at scaring off foxes.
