A TORTOISE found wandering in Williton has been reunited with its owner - and girlfriend - thanks to a Free Press appeal.

George and Christine Brooks, who discovered the roaming reptile in their garden just under a fortnight ago, nicknamed him Bobby and took him to Washford's Tropiquaria Zoo, who provided a temporary home.

But just a day after the Free Press carried the story of the find last Friday, Bobby, whose real name is Speedy, was back at his true home, the Bicknoller Inn.

Customers recognised the photograph of the travelling tortoise, who is believed to have been stolen from the pub garden in May, and quickly alerted licensee Sally Fowler.

Speedy, a Herman's tortoise, and girlfriend Doris, a Spur Thigh, had only moved from Northamptonshire with Sally and her 11-year-old twin sons George and Guy three weeks before he went missing.

Sally, a former veterinary practice manager before she took over the pub, was able to provide photographic and other evidence that she was Speedy's rightful owner.

"I recognised him straight away but understandably Tropiquaria had to be sure he was mine," she said.

"Speedy is a great character and as soon we put him back in the run he went straight up to Doris and they gave each other what looked like a kiss - and she hasn't left him alone since."

The tortoises were George and Guy's pets and they were so upset when Speedy disappeared that a vet at Sally's former practice sent down a hatchling Sulcata tortoise to try to fill the gap.

Flash, now nine weeks old, settled in well and seems happy to be part of a threesome.

"All three of them are snuggling up together, which is great," said Sally.

"George and Guy are over the moon to have Speedy back.

"In fact, everyone at the pub is delighted that he is back home."

Tropiquaria's zoological director Chris Moiser said several people had tried to claim Speedy but Sally had been able to prove conclusively that the tortoise was hers.

"We are delighted to have been able to help reunite them," he said.

Photo: Steve Guscott