They are mammals known for their pungent spray and for inspiring the cartoon character Pepé Le Pew.

And now a skunk has not kicked up a stink as it proved a hit with people living in a sheltered accommodation block.

Bear the skunk was part of a small menagerie of animals that visited Samford Court at Worlingham, near Beccles.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Neil Ripley with Bear the skunk Picture: Newman Associates PRNeil Ripley with Bear the skunk Picture: Newman Associates PR (Image: Newman Associates PR)

Alpacas Fergus and Gino joined Bear and a number of smaller animals including a rabbit and a pair of guinea pigs at the court, which is run by Broadland Housing Association and provides 38 flats and bungalows offering independent living for the over-55s.

READ MORE: Where you can see alpacas

The 'mobile zoo'  was brought along by Shipmeadow-based Unicorn Alpaca Walks.

Owner Kerry Nichols said: "We take our animals to all sorts of places and it always makes people glow.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Pat and Neil Ridley with alpacas Fergus and Gino Picture: Newman Associates PRPat and Neil Ridley with alpacas Fergus and Gino Picture: Newman Associates PR (Image: Newman Associates PR) 

“It is magical how meeting the animals really brings people out of themselves. 

"We take them into places such as care homes and schools, and it is very moving to see how everybody smiles when they come into contact with the animals.”

READ MORE: Alpaca farmer's struggles

Among those meeting the animals were Samford Court residents Neil and Pat Ripley, who have lived at the scheme for 11 years.  The pair are animal lovers and have two cats in their home.

Mr Ripley, a retired coach driver, said: “We have never met alpacas before, and we have never even seen a skunk in real life, so to hold it was a real experience.

READ MORE: Worlingham fence wars

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Samford Court resident Mel Mason with alpacas Fergus and Gino. Also pictured is Sarah Mantle from Broadland Housing Picture: Newman Associates PRSamford Court resident Mel Mason with alpacas Fergus and Gino. Also pictured is Sarah Mantle from Broadland Housing Picture: Newman Associates PR (Image: Newman Associates PR)

“There is a great sense of community here at Samford Court, and events like this really bring people together.”

Scheme manager Simon Fletcher said: “It was lovely to see residents interacting with the animals.

"I don’t think any of them ever thought they would end up cuddling a skunk.

"We are really grateful to Unicorn Alpaca Walks for bringing the animals to visit our residents. They will be talking about this for a long time to come.”