A Backwell family has launched a Facebook group to help find Turbo, a 21-year-old tortoise who has disappeared from his garden home.

Turbo was found to be missing on Sunday, May 3 and his owners, the Flicker family, fear he may have been stolen.

He has been their pet since he was bought as a present when 22-year-old Jenna Flicker was just six months old.

He lived in the garden in Farleigh Road,and was free to roam around but his owners say there is no way he could have escaped.

Helen Flicker said: "The garden is slightly raised and very secure, if he was to get out he would have had to open a gate and go down six steps.

"He's always lived in the garden and never dug his way out. We think he was stolen, he is worth anything from £500-£1,000.

"We've launched a Facebook group called Turbo Flicker and hope someone might find him."

She added: "We've contacted vets and the police and are appealing to families in the area whose children may have recently acquired a tortoise or one being offered for sale."

Anyone with information about the missing tortoise can telephone Helen on 07977725411, a small reward is offered.