IT WAS a chilly night in the River Test for this alpaca after he discovered a hole in his fence.

Harry, one of the three resident alpacas at Houghton Lodge and Gardens, near Stockbridge, was saved by staff after getting through fencing and slipping down the riverbank.

He was unable to climb out of the river as his thick coat filled with water adding extra weight and his body became chilled.

When he was found in the morning, two of Houghton’s estate workers jumped into the river and pushed the heavy alpaca, while another pulled him from the riverbank.

Once out, Harry collapsed exhausted on the bank, his legs unable to hold his weight.

The vet was called and the staff covered him in blankets and tarpaulins to keep the chill wind off him.

The vet gave Harry an injection and advised the staff to rub Harry down with dry hay to soak up the water.

Over the next couple of hours Harry started to drink and eat and was then able to stand before joining Tom and Dick back in the field.

One advantage of his icy dip, on the evening of Monday January 9, was Harry’s impressive coat.

Volunteer at the gardens, Marian Rashleigh, who helped in Harry’s rescue, said: “Once he was back in the field, Harry stood out from the other two alpacas because he has a wonderful clean coat – it was all fluffed up and looked in great health considering what he had been through, we are just all happy that he is ok.”

Houghton Lodge’s gardens opens to the public on the March 1 where visitors will be able to see Harry.