GREATHOUSE care home in Kington Langley has launched an appeal for help to provide a shelter for two new pygmy goats at the care home.

The young goats are expected to be born any day giving the home, whihc provides a range of services for adults with physical and learning disabilities, just three months to create a suitable home for them.

An overgrown and unused area of the garden has been earmarked for the goats but the care home needs help to fund and build the project.

Greathouse activities co-ordinator, Rebecca Richards, said: "My aim is to get people out more and we want them involved in the caring of the goats.

"It is going to make a huge difference. It's widely known the huge beneficial impact that animal therapy has.

"Goats have been said to bring withdrawn people out of themselves, lift spirits and even lower patients' blood pressure."

Residents at the home have been asking to have a pet to care for and have a dog visit them once a week.

It is hoped that the smaller pygmy breed of goat will be able to sit on patients' laps inside as well as graze out on the lawns.

"We need concrete to build a hard-standing with a cover so residents can access the goats' enclosure and fencing which needs to be stock fencing with post and rails with two gates," Mrs Richards added.

"We also need a shed for them to live in. Any offer of help or donations will be greatly appreciated from individuals, businesses or corporate groups."

One resident who has already made a huge difference to the appeal is Nina Hawkins whose father died last year.

She has donated the £748 which was collected at his funeral to help purchase the goats and will have the male goat named after her father Donald.

Greathouse will be holding its annual fundraising dog show on May 22.

For more information contact Greathouse on 01249 750235.