Pet tortoise makes a run for freedom at one mile per year

London, July 1 (ANI): A pet tortoise that had run away from its owner has been recaptured after less than two years and just as many miles away.

Lottie, who escaped in August 2008, leaving her nine-year old owner Maddie Tibble distraught, was found plodding along a street close to her owner's home in Grays, Essex.

Her bid to escape however took her only as far as a street near to the comprehensive that Maddie now attends, William Edwards School.

A passer-by spotted the animal and handed her in to a vet's surgery, and as she was microchipped she was easily reunited with her owner.

"I just didn't believe it was her. I was really shocked I just thought it must be another tortoise but I am so pleased to have her back," the Telegraph quoted Maddie, who is now 10, as saying.

Lizzie Rigby, the veterinary surgeon who checked her out, said she was surprised to find out the tortoise had been missing for almost two years.

Maddie's mum Beth Tibble, 44, was amazed and happy that the tortoise was in such good health.

"We are so pleased to have Lottie back and in good health. We live on the back of William Edwards' playing fields and all I can think is that she has been plodding around there for this whole time," she added. (ANI)