On a smallholding in Cwmdegwel, St Dogmaels, you might come across a different kind of animal to that which you would usually expect to find in west Wales ... Grandmother Ann Davies, a part time mini bus driver with a local authority, hopes to offer llama treks around her farm and the surrounding area when she retires – and all because she loves a llama!

' My sister Sandra said I should buy some llamas and pop them in the field as they are pretty and have large appealing eyes,' said Ann with a smile.' I was shocked really because my sister isn't an animal person. I looked into it and did some research and found that there was a reputable llama breeder in Bridell down the road and it has all gone from there,' added Ann who runs a 33 acre farm.

At the stud in North Pembrokshire, Ann fell in love with two male llamas and christened them Kevin and Simon. The two boys were later followed by their mothers – Pollyanna and Piccallili and the four were exhibited at Nevern Agricultural Show last year and were in the rosettes at the Royal Berkshire Show in Newbury. She has also taken part in Llama Gymkhana where she had to lead them over small jumps, into a trailer and then round various obstacles.

' I just had to purchase them. They are so friendly, had been well handled from birth and are really in your face,’ said Ann.

She is often asked if they spit: ‘ The answer is not at people, sometimes at each other to establish a pecking order. They are curious, intelligent and are ideal for field management eating away the brambles, docks and nettles. Some people keep them for their fibre, but I thought they would make great trekking animals carrying packs, picnics, rain coats and camping gear. Llama trekking is very popular in America as well as all over the UK, and you never know it might become popular here in west Wales.’

Ann sees the family of four as an important addition to her smallholding of horses and sheep.'

' I've got to know the llamas really well and they each have individual characters and make brilliant pets if you have the space. They are also low maintenance and they never fail to make you smile. Walking alongside a llama is also an excellent way of de-stressing, which is why I thought I might take up llama trekking possibly this spring or summer,' concluded Ann, who is a member of the British Llama Society.