Tortoise that's been missing for FOUR years finally reunited with owners
The tortoise has been with the family since 1973
Last updated 8th Feb 2022
A tortoise from Thornton-Cleveleys, Blackpool that went missing four years ago has finally been reunited with it's owners.
Fred the tortoise has been with the family since 1973, but went missing from Georgie Rogerson's family home during a storm in 2018 after fence was demolished.
The tortoise was found by a driver more than a mile away on the A580.
It's been reported that cars were swerving to avoid the runaway tortoise, so a driver pulled over to get the animal off the road.
Owner, Georgie Rogerson, has said that she had spotted Fred on a social media post by the distinct marking on his shell.
Other feel-good stories:
What's new pussy cat?
A kitten was rescued in Leeds after being discovered in a car engine. The little cat was found in the engine of the owner's car, after the driver had heard strange noises coming from the front during their journey from South Wales. After trying to lure the kitten out themselves, the RSPCA was called out to fish the animal out. The little cat - now named Tom Jones - was all well with no major injuries and recovered in the RSPCA's branch in Halifax.
Stanley's Steps
A schoolboy with a degenerative condition has raised nearly ÂŁ5,000 for charity by challenging himself to walk 10 miles over five days. Eight-year-old Stanley Barnes had initially aimed to raise only ÂŁ1,000 to fund research into San Filippo Syndrome, a rare condition that can be likened to childhood Alzheimer's. By the end of the 'Stanley's Steps' campaign, the schoolboy raised just short of ÂŁ5,000 for Children In Need, and smashed his fundraising target in just a couple of days.
Speedo Mick
At the end of December 2021, a man who had travelled around the UK in nothing but a pair of speedos for charity finished his tour in his native Liverpool. Known as "Speedo Mick", Michael Cullen's trip took him on a 2,500 mile journey around the UK and Ireland, raising ÂŁ130,000 during the course of his walk. SpeedoMick donated all the money raised, alongside another ÂŁ193,000 for charities supporting mental health and disadvantaged young people.
The Jackie Weaver saga
In February 2021, a meeting of Handforth Parish Council in Cheshire went viral after a mediator - Jackie Weaver - removed one of the councillors from the Zoom. The clip was seen millions of times and catapulted both Weaver and the council into the public eye. At the end of the meeting, Jackie Weaver asked if people could refer to her as Britney Spears.
He's behind you!
A new university degree has been launched - in pantomime! Offered by Staffordshire University, the syllabus provides students with a lot more than the typical panto features. The one-year-program looks at the iconic British institution and prepares those taking the MA to become a director of panto or even a dame themselves. It is the first degree of its kind - and yes, it is!
One of the world's rarest animals in London Zoo
One of the rarest animals in the world has given birth in the comfort of London Zoo. Only an estimated 300 Sumatran tigers remain in the wild, leaving the species critically endangered. However, staff received a welcome festive treat when a cub was born at the zoo to ring in 2022. The birth will provide a boost and hope for the animal's future, experts said.
A lifechanging GoFundMe
A man has been able to receive over ÂŁ5,000 in donations through the power of social media. Over Christmas, Harry Beardsley posted on Twitter asking for work for the man, named John. The 28-year-old had bonded with Beardsley which had led to the post on social media. Within a day, the post had gone viral and provided John with clean clothes, food and shelter until well into the New Year. A GoFundMe has also been set up to give John the money he needs to get off the streets.
One hungry squirrel
If you feel bloated and unmotivated, don't worry - you're in good company. A greedy squirrel ended up stuck in a birdfeeder in Durham, after his chunky body left him trapped. The squirrel had bitten off more than he could chew and after struggling to get himself out after eating nuts in the feeder, the homeowner resorted to calling the RSPCA to free him.
Missing cat invades football pitch and is reunited with owner
Topsey the cat invaded the pitch during a match between Sheffield Wednesday and Wigan Athletic at Hillsborough Stadium. After the game was stopped so Topsey could have her belly tickled and be escorted off the pitch, she was reunited with owner after being missing for 8 months.