Two cuddly alpacas were esteemed guests at one Ipswich care home this weekend.

Ipswich Star: Residents of Sherrington House Care Home in Ipswich had a visit from two alpaca�s from Hilly Ridge Alpaca�s in Wattisham Picture: Neil DidsburyResidents of Sherrington House Care Home in Ipswich had a visit from two alpaca�s from Hilly Ridge Alpaca�s in Wattisham Picture: Neil Didsbury (Image: Archant)

Sherrington House Residential Home was visited by the cuddly pair, dressed in bells and antlers, to get everyone into the Christmas spirit.

The adorable pair proved very popular, happily eating out of the hands of residents and staff, led about on reins by the team from Hilly Ridge Alpacas in Wattisham.

The team and the pair of alpacas also toured the home visiting residents in their rooms.

The only challenging moment of the alpaca visit came when the pair and one of their handlers tried to squeeze into Sherrington House's elevator, but they persevered to make sure everyone got a cuddle.

Ipswich Star: The 'reindeer' were visiting the care home to brighed the mood of the resident in the run up to Christmas Picture: Neil DidsburyThe 'reindeer' were visiting the care home to brighed the mood of the resident in the run up to Christmas Picture: Neil Didsbury (Image: Archant)

Alpacas, which are native to Peru, are popular therapy animals as they typically have a calm and non-aggressive nature.

Ipswich Star: Jo Bridge, of Hilly Ridge Alpacas in Wattisham, as a helpful elf with her two 'reindeer' Picture: Neil DidsburyJo Bridge, of Hilly Ridge Alpacas in Wattisham, as a helpful elf with her two 'reindeer' Picture: Neil Didsbury (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Residents were able to feed the alpacas right out of their hand Picture: Neil DidsburyResidents were able to feed the alpacas right out of their hand Picture: Neil Didsbury (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Residents of Sherrington House Care Home in Ipswich welcomed the aplacas with open arms Picture: Neil DidsburyResidents of Sherrington House Care Home in Ipswich welcomed the aplacas with open arms Picture: Neil Didsbury (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Hilly Ridge's Alpacas visit care homes across Suffolk. The Alpaca is a popular therapy animal Picture: Neil DidsburyHilly Ridge's Alpacas visit care homes across Suffolk. The Alpaca is a popular therapy animal Picture: Neil Didsbury (Image: Archant)