LLAMAS walked out of Caldicot Castle two by two on Sunday in a special event to raise money for the Noah's Ark Appeal.

The llamas were taking part in the Explore Severnside Walk, organised by Monmouthshire County Council ahead of the Ian Botham Valleys Walk in October.

Owner Alastair Fraser, who runs Severnside Llama Trekking in Mathern, said: "We believe in helping local charities and wanted to help the Noah's Ark Appeal.

"Llamas are gorgeous. They are very friendly animals with absolutely no vices whatsoever. Everyone who goes out with them absolutely adores them and children love them."

During the walk, fundraisers took in views of both Severn Bridges and an Iron Age hill fort. Walkers had the option of two routes, one three-and-a-half miles and the other five miles.

The event was a huge success and fundraising for the Noah's Ark Appeal continues with the sale of route maps for the walk which are available in the shop at Caldicot Castle priced £2.

Chairman of the council Cllr Colin White said the event also showcased a number of improvements made to pavements and footpaths in the Severnside area by the council.

The Ian Botham Valleys Walk will take place on October 3-5 and pass through Chepstow, Monmouth and Abergavenny.