RESIDENTS' faces lit up at a Wee County care home when a pair of alpacas visited last week.

People at Beechwood Park Care Home had the chance to get familiar and friendly with animals Chewie and Logie from the Alpaca Trekking Centre near Stirling.

Young people from Flying Start Nursery, located just across the road from Beechwood in Sauchie, as well as residents from sister care home Hillview also joined in.

The alpacas brought smiles to everyone's faces with some residents really coming out of their shells with others saying they would love to keep the due around all year.

Activities co-ordinator Mary Greig explained everyone had a brilliant time.

She said: "Pet therapy has been proven to release endorphins, it has a calming effect and it decreases anxiety, isolation and it can benefit someone's overall health.

"It's a valued activity within our home."

Indeed, there are hopes to organise more events like last Wednesday's, February 12.

That includes the possibility to visit the farm at Easter Poldar, near Stirling, once the weather is a bit more sensible, where the alpacas live along many other friendly animals.

Thanks go to the Alpaca Trekking Centre for the visit as well as Flying Start Nursery and Hillview Court Care Home for joining in.