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We will be profiling some of these local businesses and organisations regularly over the coming weeks in a feature called 'Up Close In Frodsham'.

On a quiet country lane just outside Frodsham, where you would expect to see sheep or cows, you might be surprised to catch a glimpse of a field full of llamas!

Hillview Llamas, run by Dr. Richard Cox and his veterinary daughter, has been breeding and training llamas since 2009.

"I love animals and llamas are particularly interesting ones," Dr. Cox told me, adding that the Cheshire countryside is perfect for this fluffy member of the camelid family, which "prosper[s] on scrubland in the wild."

Since British families first started keeping these animals as field pets in the 1970s, farms like Hillview Llamas have been springing up all over the country, and are a great day-trip idea.

Hillview Llamas offer llama experiences for adults and children, two hour programmes where people can "meet, greet and learn about llamas", as well as having the option to take their new furry friends on a trek around the farm.

"Llamas are very gentle and sensitive animals. They tend to be shy at first but gradually warm to new visitors as their confidence grows," Dr. Cox said.

While our first instinct may be to reach out to stroke their heads, this is sure to frighten them, and Dr. Cox advises that blowing gently on their nose "will attract them to you, as this is a way in which they communicate with each other."

After their initial shyness, llamas generally enjoy human company, and have even been known to unzip people's coats or untie their shoelaces!

The good-natured temperament of his animals inspired Dr. Cox to develop llama therapy sessions for children and adults with special needs, disabilities, mental illness or dementia.

Animal therapy has already been proven to benefit people with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and llamas, with their peaceful dispositions, really help to create the calming atmosphere that will reduce stress and improve mental well-being.

Dr. Cox also welcomes veterinary or Animal Science students to volunteer at the farm, and "gain valuable knowledge through assisting with husbandry tasks."

If you would like to learn more about these long-lashed beauties, you can visit Hillview Llamas website, and book a visit.