Lizard-in-broccoli taken as pet

The family said they were now very fond of Tenko after the initial shock

A four-inch lizard found in some broccoli from a supermarket has now become a family pet.

Paula Walsh and her partner Jez Allen, of Meole Brace, near Shrewsbury, found Tenko the gecko inside the vegetables from Tesco.

The family said they had become very attached to him after getting over the initial shock.

Tesco said its suppliers had rigorous and thorough checking processes but was glad Tenko had found a good home.

Ms Walsh said: "My daughter had been cutting the broccoli for lunch when she screamed, 'Mum come quick, come quick - there's something crawling in the broccoli'.

"I pulled gently and out he came."

'Rigorous processes'

The family then took the creature to a local vet, who told them what it was.

A spokesman for Tesco said: "We are glad that Tenko has found a loving home after what must have been quite a journey and something of an ordeal.

"Our suppliers of course have rigorous and thorough processes, both in the country of origin and again once the goods have arrived here in the UK.

"This truly goes to show that even with all the expertise, checks and will in the world it is not always possible to completely legislate for the natural world."