A trio of pedigree pygmy therapy goats brought joy to families at Children's Hospice South West's Charlton Farm.

The furry friends, Dorothy, Bon Bon and Rodney, owned by Tanya Sheasby of The Little Farming Company, spent the morning with staff, children, and families, providing a unique type of stimulation in their rounds.

The therapy goats are regular visitors, allowing children to spend time with them, walk them around the hospice garden, and even host them on their laps.

Ms Sheasby said: "Bringing the goats to Charlton Farm offers such a different type of stimulation and joy to the children and young people.

"Their visits allow the families to remove themselves from their situation momentarily and immerse themselves in being close to the animals."

Helen Broadbent, Charlton Farm senior team leader, said: "Meeting the therapy goats is an opportunity that families may not be able to access elsewhere.

"It is a fun thing to do as a family, making special memories in the beautiful surroundings of Charlton Farm."

(Image: Children's Hospice South West)

Children's Hospice South West has been providing care and support to children with life-limiting illnesses and their families in the South West for over 30 years.

The charity, which has hospices in Devon, North Somerset and Cornwall, provides services to over 550 families across the south west.

The services are free to every family which needs them, and it costs nearly £12 million each year to keep the three hospices operational - a significant undertaking, made lighter by the invigorating influence of the therapy goats.

In turn, the goats seem to enjoy their labour of love.

Back on Ms Sheasby's farm in Gloucestershire, they enjoyed playing in their specially built adventure playground: "They love being outside and playing and they love being around people.

"The only thing they don't like is the rain."