Ananova:

Train passengers travelling from London to Manchester were shocked to be told: "There's a llama on the track."

The Virgin Trains service stopped outside Stoke-on-Trent for ten minutes as staff leapt into action to clear the line.

Passenger Andrew Robinson, 34, said: "The train stopped and the guard said over the tannoy 'OK folks, this is a new one, there is a llama on the track, we've got to hold here while we check it out'.

"Everyone on the train found it hilarious and started laughing - it put everyone in a good mood."

Richard Price, 24, added: "I thought it had to be a wind-up - what was a llama doing in Stoke?"

A Virgin Trains spokesman said: "After initial reports it was announced that there was a llama on the tracks. The animal eventually ran off and we could only find a white cow in the vicinity."