Alpaca perhaps rather curious creatures but they're rapidly gaining popularity across Wales. But why keep them? This week Pauline Smith explores the potential of these South American animals as farm livestock; a tourist attraction or simply to keep as a companion pet.

At Aberystwyth University’s Pwllpeiran Upland Research Centre in the Cambrian Mountains there's a herd of 8 alpaca. Scientists are studying to discover their suitability to life here in Wales and how they could provide new opportunities for hill farmers.

Meanwhile at Usk Valley Alpaca in Monmouthshire they've been breeding and selling these animals for livestock and pet animals for more than a decade and are planning to double their 93 strong herd. They also run a tourism business with the Alpaca at their "Cute Farm Experience"

and whatever their commercial value, Alpaca are also increasingly being used as a "therapy animal". Students have reportedly "flourished" after four alpacas were introduced at Headlands school in Penarth, in the Vale of Glamorgan.