THINK keeping fit is boring? Then improve your karma with a llama!

Lords House Farm centre, Rishton, has developed a network of footpaths opening this spring.

And staff hope to encourage people who are put-off by serious walking or riding to participate in gentler treks with the llamas.

In addition to the paths around the 30-acre farm, which opened in 1993, visitors will be able to explore the former Star Delph quarry, which has been classed as a site of special scientific interest.

The llamas - William and Bilby Small - and an alpaca called Sofina are all described as good-natured and do not spit.

They cannot be ridden but can carry packs on their sides - which is ideal for picnics. Chief executive Mary Walker said: "They're super and really friendly. The llamas are experienced with people and have worked on treks elsewhere.

"We have all sorts of healthy, therapeutic and educational activities here, including animal classes and horticulture. We started the charity to raise the quality of life for disabled and disadvantaged people and it has developed to include the wider community.

"Now 400 people take part in therapeutic riding classes, ranging from two-year-old toddlers to a group of pensioners aged over 65.

"But people can be disadvantaged if they are overweight. So we want to get them walking. We also work with the NHS and schemes like Hyndburn Healthy Heart."

The llamas and alpaca - a smaller breed, also from South America - arrived from Cheshire and Herefordshire a few months ago and are being prepared for visitors arriving in the spring. Mrs Walker has made them all South American-style jackets to keep them warm in the snowy weather.

Now they only have to get used to the farm's six friendly pigs.

Mrs Walker explained: "We have some pot-bellied and Kune-Kune pigs, plus a wild boar. The llamas had never seen pigs before and were petrified. They leapt over a five-bar gate when they caught sight of them!"