The UK's only camel business is flourishing in Warwickshire

"We were going to present lions but I became pregnant so the business was put on hold. Then when we got round to it we went for camels."

As company origins go, it's pretty unconventional. But not much about the business Joe and Rebecca Fossett have run since 2000 at Idlicote, deep in the south Warwickshire countryside, is conventional.

In fact, their business is unique, not just to Warwickshire but the UK. In this country, Joe and Rebecca are the go-to people for camels.

If you require a well-presented, fully trained, trustworthy camel (and you'd be surprised how many people do) then JA Camels is the place. The only place in the UK.

It's little wonder, then, that JA Camels ticks over nicely. Last year was its most profitable yet as a well-established, engagingly left-field component of a tourist sector which annually pumps more than £100million into Warwickshire's economy.

"I'm glad we switched to camels," says Rebecca. "There is a lot you can do with them."

They certainly do plenty.

Joe and Rebecca's eight camels - Ruby, Kokoso, Max, Cleo, Bertie, Kazzak, Blizzard and Baxter - travel widely and work diversely. They feature in everything from festivals and parades to race-meetings and motoring-events. They calmly perform among thousands of sports fans, in the chaotic streets of London or the broad expanse of Gatwick Airport. They have dealt with luminaries from David Attenborough to David Cameron.

They are no strangers to stage and television. That dating-site TV advert with a chap and a camel on a sofa? The camel is Kokoso, one of Joe and Rebecca's.

Alongside film and TV assignments, the animals have regular duties closer to home; weddings, Christmas, fundraising events - and racing and trekking with their knock-on effect on the county economy as visitors need somewhere to stay and eat.

It is a unique enterprise. So why camels? And why Warwickshire?

Joe, a scion of the famous Fossett circus family and fully-trained lion-tamer whose expertise also covers tigers, elephants and bears, explains:

"We were thinking about lions and perhaps giving it a go in Las Vegas, but then Rebecca fell pregnant. We thought again and realised camels had so much potential. I grew up with animals but always particularly loved camels. They are so genuine and caring and have incredible memories. 

"And Warwickshire is a brilliant location, perfect for any business needing access to the motorways. And it's a beautiful county which will always attract people. We're very proud to be in Warwickshire, adding our little bit to its tourist industry.

"People do love seeing our camels and are often surprised how well-behaved they are. Some say 'aren't they aggressive? don't they spit?' Well, no, not if treated properly. They respond well to kindness, like we all do.

"It's a matter of how well-trained they are. It's vital they are properly trained because you have half-a-ton of animal there. In the wrong hands they are killing machines. Some people have tried and ended up in hospital. Basically, it's no different to any other business. You just have to do things right.

"They are very endearing creatures, though some are better-suited to certain jobs than others. Kokoso, aged 16, is our steadiest. It took several days to train him to settle on that sofa for the TV advert but we knew he could do it. He is reliable - but lazy. Not one for the races!"

It all sounds an engaging and, at times, glamorous business and it is - to a degree. But just like every other business, Joe and Rebecca have to deal with hard commercial realities.

"We have just had our best year," said Rebecca. "But there have been tough times. We were hit by recession. And the Foot and Mouth outbreak caused big problems because of restrictions on moving animals around the country.

"There is a lot of legislation to meet, insurance costs are high and, of course, the welfare of the animals is paramount. If a request is legal and feasible, we'll do it, but the camels' welfare comes first. We raced them at Vicarage Road football ground in Watford in front of 15,000 people and were asked to do the same at Wembley. But we turned that down because it would have been an 80,000 crowd and the camels wouldn't like that.

"They do a lot of motorway miles but are comfortable with that, given lots of food, water and straw. We look after them very well and know a lot about them which is important because not many vets know much about camels. People around the country often come to us for advice.

"We are very lucky to have this life but the business, like any, has to evolve so we are always looking forward. Our 18-year-old daughter Daisy, who is doing her HGV licence, is already deeply involved and looking into the idea of selling camel milk."