A pair of sociable llamas helped raise Christmas spirits and cash for children with life-limiting illnesses.

Sidmouth Herald: An afternoon with Bev and Geoff Thomas. Ref shs 50 17TI 5179. Picture: Terry IfeAn afternoon with Bev and Geoff Thomas. Ref shs 50 17TI 5179. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

People gathered in Sidmouth’s All Saints Church Hall for seasonal fun in aid of Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).

The charity’s Sidmouth friends group coordinators Bev and Geoff Thomas hold monthly entertainment afternoons to raise awareness of the charity and to tackle loneliness locally.

Geoff said: “A lot of people are on their own and it gets them down – but everybody seems to enjoy the meetings each month.”

He arrived dressed as Father Christmas - but it was the guests from Peak Hill Llamas who stole the show.

Geoff said: “Llamas enjoy human company. You could hear them humming – and humming is a sign that they are happy.”

The Sidmouth friends group has already raised thousands for CHSW so far this year and he is looking forward to continuing this work in 2018.