A centre that supports young adults with learning difficulties is celebrating the birth of a baby alpaca.

Penny Meadow, which has a site in East Lane, Dedham, welcomed the cria early on Saturday afternoon.

Nick and Jan Johnstone, who run the centre, have decided to name their latest arrival George, after the new Prince of Cambridge.

He is the first baby alpaca to be born at the centre.

George, who was born to mum Beau, will join eight other alpacas at the centre.

They are used to help the development of young people with a range of learning conditions, along with a variety of other animals including sheep, chickens and rabbits.

Mrs Johnstone said: “He is absolutely beautiful. They are amazing creatures.

“He was 15lb so he wasn’t that big because they can be about 18lb.”

Young people who are members of the centre spend time with the alpacas and are given chores to help their day to day care and maintenance.

Mrs Johnstone said: “A lot of our young people like being outside with animals. Alpacas are the safest animals for them to work with. They are safe and therapeutic.

“They help the young people’s communication and it gives them an added level of independence because they have to look after something.”