ALTHOUGH Alpacas and Llamas have been seen at the County Show for the past four years, this year's event will be the first time they have had their own show classes.

The move demonstrates the animals' growing popularity and has delighted Linda Johnson, proprietor of the Ashdown Forest Llama Park, Sussex, the prime mover in bringing the animals to the show.

Mrs Johnson said: "We have had a stand at the Kent County Show for four years but this is the first year we have had showing classes there. We are naturally very pleased about that.

"There are an increasing number of Alpacas and Llamas around the country and shows like this allow us take them out and let people see them. They are very attractive animals and a definite draw."

There will be nine classes for Huacaya Alpacas and six classes for Llamas, with more than £1,000 in prize money up for grabs. It is expected that between 50 and 60 Alpacas and Llamas will be shown by owners and breeders from Sussex, Kent and the South East.