Wiltshire camel gets 'new lease of life' thanks to shoemaker

Stuart Moss was contacted by Lady Chichester to create a pair of shoes for 27-year-old Timujin, who lives at Little Durnford Manor, owned by the Earl of Chichester, earlier this year.

After four months of work on the footwear, Timujin is now said to be a "walking star with a big smile on his face".

Timujin's feet (Image: Michelle Bradford/SWNS) Timujin's new shoes (Image: Michelle Bradford/SWNS) Mr Moss, who owns Mossy's Shoe Repairs in Salisbury, said: "When I first got the phone call, I thought someone was having a bubble.

"But obviously it then transpired it was not a prank call. I never thought I would be making a pair of shoes for an animal - let alone a camel."

Mr Moss first met Timujin in April and was "heartbroken" to see the animal in pain.

He said: "When he was walking, it broke my heart, his tendons had stretched, so he was walking on the back of his legs.

Timujin's shoes being made (Image: Michelle Bradford/SWNS) "He just did not want to walk, and so because of his lack of movement his joints swelled up. I didn't know what to do at first, but I knew I could not say no."

To make the shoes, Mr Moss filled two washing-up bowls with kinetic sand to take an imprint of Timujin's feet.

He then filled this with plaster to create a shape, and when the shape was ready, Mr Moss and his partner, Michelle Bradford, made boots using leather, memory foam, and a rubber sole.

Mr Moss explained camels do not have a regular foot or hoof, but have soles similar to a "big leather pad".

Stuart Moss and Michelle Bradford fitting Timujin's shoes (Image: Michelle Bradford/SWNS) Michelle Bradford and Timujin (Image: Michelle Bradford/SWNS) After at least six separate fittings over several months, Timujin, who Ms Bradford described as the "gentlest camel", tried on his new shoes, and Mr Moss said the result was "magic".

He added: "Since he had the shoes fitted, the swelling has gone down. He now goes for walks every day, and is bouncing around like there's no tomorrow.

"Before he never wanted to walk, but now he gets up, waits for his shoes and is off.

"As he is 27, which is quite old for a camel, the shoes have given him a new lease of life.

"In one of the photos, he is smiling with a big smile - it is certainly a first for us both."