Giant tortoise returned to owner

A tortoise found taking a morning stroll in Teesside has been reunited with its owner.

The reptile, which measures 30cm by 18cm and is in perfect health, was spotted in Cowley Close, in Seaton Carew, on Monday.

RSPCA Animal Collection Officer John Lawson was called to catch the tortoise which had wandered into a garden.

He said on Wednesday that shortly after the RSPCA appeal for help, the owner of the tortoise contacted them.

Mr Lawson took it to an animal shelter where it stayed overnight before its owner contacted them, following the appeal.

He told BBC News Online that an officer visited the caller who was able to prove ownership of the wayward animal.