Shellidan the tortoise from Martlesham Heath has been found

Shellidan, a 15-year-old tortoise who lives with his owners Ed and Mike Ward, went missing from his home in York Road in Martlesham at around 10am on June 25.

On Thursday morning, July 18, the four-legged reptile rebel was picked up by a passer-byer in Bradford Court, who stopped his car in shock when he saw a pile of dry leaves suddenly start walking. 

Shellidan had travelled over 200m from his home during his 23-day hiatus from garden life, a journey that would take a human around six minutes to complete.

Shellidan can be recongised for his mishapen shell (Image: Ed Ward)

His parents, Ed Ward, 37, who works as a social care commissionaire and his husband Mike, who works in the Royal Engineers, said: "We are delighted that Shellidan has been found!"

"Whilst taking a walk, several roads away on Martlesham Heath, he was spotted by some very kind people who took to social media to see if they could find who he belonged to."

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The couple, who helped to rescue the tortoise after a hard start in life, added: "Thankfully they found our original post looking for him and were able to contact us. The lady messaged me and we realised by his shell that it is indeed Shellidan"

Ed and Mike Ward who are relived to have their beloved Shellidan back (Image: Ed Ward)

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"We’re so pleased he’s home and safe. We will be making sure his house is a little more secure this time."

Shellidan was named in honour of the couple's cat Sheridan, who got his name from the carefree character of hit 90's show, Keeping Up Appearances.

The couple say they never gave up hope looking for their Shellidan and are relieved he is finally home. 

They added: "We’re just figuring out how we’re going to stop the next escape act from this rebellious tortoise."