A WOMAN is hoping for the return of her pet tortoise which has gone missing and is appealing to the public to keep their eyes peeled. Gaynor Hayde, of Great Chishill, last saw her 12-year-old tortoise, Hermann, in her green house where he lived, however,

A WOMAN is hoping for the return of her pet tortoise which has gone missing and is appealing to the public to keep their eyes peeled.

Gaynor Hayde, of Great Chishill, last saw her 12-year-old tortoise, Hermann, in her green house where he lived, however, a pane of glass got smashed and he escaped through a hole.

Mrs Hayde has called veterinary surgeries and has put up notices up but no one has heard anything.

She said: "Tortoises just keep walking especially when the sun is out. They have no sense of direction or smell.

"And as autumn is upon us Hermann will be looking for a suitable place to hibernate for the winter.

"He will probably find food because there are lots of things in the wild and they don't require a lot of liquid. But if it turns frosty it could be another matter.

"I have had him for 10 years and I have grown very attached to him. He has quite a character.

"I'm worried someone has found him and thought he was valuable."

Hermann weighs 1kg and is chipped.

"If anyone finds a tortoise please take it to a veterinary surgery because he could be traced back to me," Mrs Hayde said.

If anyone finds Hermann call Gaynor on 01763 838529.