AFTER a decade of love and nurturing, the mother of a cherished alpaca herd is preparing to say goodbye.

Kim Inglis has been looking after her herd at  Blencogo Farm, near Wigton, since 2014 when her journey with the creatures started on a whimsical suggestion by a friend who knew two alpacas in need of a new home.

"Just over 10 years ago, a friend suggested as a joke I should get alpacas.

"I’d never had a pet and they said two alpacas were looking for a new home.

"It was a bit of a whim really," she said. 

Times and Star: Kim is currently searching for five-star homes for her beloved creatures.Kim is currently searching for five-star homes for her beloved creatures. (Image: Kim Inglis)

The former ITV News Border presenter would go on to pick up seven more after Pat Bentley sold her herd at an auction. The decision would organically grow into an alpaca experience for the public, with Kim bringing her presenting skills to the forefront. 

“I intended to have them as a herd of pets and livestock and probably about 18 months into it, we could walk and hand-feed them. 

“The phone started to ring with people asking if they could come along– it was not intentional at all," she said. 

At its peak, Kim was looking after around 16 of the fluffy creatures. 

"It's been absolutely amazing, they are such wonderful animals," she said. 

"They are curious, cute fluffy, each with different personalities.

"I’ve had an amazing time working with kids with autism, young adults with learning and physical disabilities, and adults with conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia, the animals are so good with them," she said. 

Times and Star: Gold, at 24 hours old, now coming up to 4 years old. Gold, at 24 hours old, now coming up to 4 years old. (Image: Kim Inglis)

Recognising the need for change and a bit more personal freedom, Kim has made the difficult decision to part ways with her cherished companions.

Among them are her beloved boys, namely Dude, Barnaby, Little Boy Blue, and As Good As Gold, alongside her cherished girls, Twinkle, Flick, On The Razzle, Paparazzo, and Sweet Clover.

"I’ve been planning this for a while, you have to know when it’s time for a change," she said. 

“I know there are a lot of people out there who are looking to start their alpaca journey but for me, it’s time for a clean break. 

"I’ve had the most amazing alpaca journey over the last ten years," she said. 

Whilst Kim searches for 'five-star' homes for her squad, she plans to direct those interested to fellow enthusiast Jane Hodgson at King Garth Alpacas - a place where she will continue to get her 'alpaca fix'.

Blencogo Farm will be closing its gates to the alpaca experience come the end of April. 

For those looking to get in touch before then, pre-booking is essential over the last six weeks.