Here in Northampton, we are spoiled for choice for places to visit. Parks, farms, historical buildings, theatres and much more. We get out as often as we can. We are very lucky.

The team here like to be inventive, they listen to our suggestions, add some imagination and creativity and surprise us constantly. And they certainly surprised us this week when they announced that we were going to visit the llamas.

Catanger Llama Farm which is located just off the Wappenham Road near Towcester has bred llamas for many years. They offer fun, educational visits to the general public during which they share their vast knowledge and experience.

On arrival we were greeted by Sarah and her cocker spaniel, Enzo. Sarah took time to talk to us about the origins of the llama, explaining that the indigenous people of South America have farmed llamas for centuries. Llamas played an important role in the survival and economy of the people of South America due to their trekking abilities, meat and fur, all of which were a great asset.

Sarah told us about the history of the farm and allowed us to handle some wonderful examples of products made from llama fur.

Some of the llamas on the farm are quite famous, they have been cast in TV shows, appeared at local and national events and some of them have even posed for calendars.

We were very excited to meet these celebrity llamas. Firstly, we were introduced to Indigo, Indigo was very well behaved and allowed us to stroke and pet him. He was so soft. We were then taken to the paddock where we met the female llamas and their babies. Sarah knew all their names and told us which baby belonged to each mother. It was such a joy to see them running around and playing in the paddock.

Learning about llamas is hungry work so we settled in the picnic area by the side of the paddock to eat our lunch. It was lovely to just sit back and watch them while we ate our sandwiches and drank our tea.

We were sad to leave, being around the llamas was quite therapeutic, watching them interact with each other. It was a special day.

We had such a wonderful day; we were already planning our return trip on the bus ride home. We want to return in the spring, just in time to see the new baby llamas make an appearance.