Stuart Oates on Frank: "You can't force a camel"

The Oates family hope the visitors will be a money-spinner on their organic farm near Goonhilly on the Lizard.

The new editions to their stock have raised a few eyebrows not least with the cows who until now had been the biggest beast on the farm.

But the Oates say their camels have a mild temperament and are hoping to start camel rides later this year.

Farmer Christopher Oates, 47, first came up with the unusual idea of starting camel trekking in Cornwall over breakfast last August.

While researching on the internet, his son, Stuart, 20, found details of camels for sale near the Bulgarian capital, Sofia.

After overcoming insurance and shipping wrangles the animals - which would face temperatures ranging from 40C to -50C in the Gobi desert - are already used to the unpredictable Cornish weather.

When training a camel it's about making them decide it's a good idea Stuart Oates

Mr Oates, who has recently completed a camel training course in California, is now training the camels for the adult-only treks around the rugged, unspoilt heathland of the Lizard.

Mr Oates said: "When training a camel it's about making them decide it's a good idea. Once you can make them decide it's fun having someone on their back you're winning.

"You can't force a camel. If you try to force a camel they will remember and then you will never work with that camel again."

The camels are: Frank, six; Jemima, seven; Myrtle, five; Camomile, two; Jasmine, two; Maggie, 18 months; Edith, four months; and Hilda, three months.

Mr Oates hopes setting up the camel treks, which form the six-month practical placement of his degree course at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, will mean he can make a living from the family farm.