A FAMILY pet who has a penchant for a pint from the local pub can certainly claim to be one of a kind – as the only pet camel in Britain.

Jeffrey, a Russian Kuznechik camel, who belongs to Simon Griffiths and Elizabeth Grant, from Sutton-on-the-Forest, near Easingwold, North Yorkshire, enjoys beer so much he is brought leftover ale from the local pub after staff finish cleaning the lines.

Mr Griffiths, a former jockey and racehorse trainer, said: “I read that camels enjoy beer so I thought I’d see if Jeffrey did and he loves it.”

He is thought to be the only pet camel in Britain – with the rest being part of tourist destinations - and requires a wild animal license.

Mrs Grant, who bought Jeffrey as a surprise birthday present for her son Tom seven years ago, said now their two children had grown up and moved out they want to downsize, but need to find somewhere large enough to accommodate their 11 foot friend.

She said: "We will definitely be taking Jeffrey with us. He's very much part of the family, and he is so well trained.

"You can ride him, and he spends a lot of time with us.

"He is so kind and gentle, he would wonder where we had gone if we left him behind."

A pint is one of his favourite treats and staff from the Rose and Crown at Sutton on the Forest, will bring the leftovers round in a bucket to be added to his food.

The family's menagerie also includes llamas, goats, geese, cats and dogs, but Jeffrey's closest pals are three Highland cattle called Princess, Gavin and Stacey.