A DARLINGTON family has offered a £100 reward for the safe return of a beloved pet tortoise.

Nelson the tortoise went missing from Sophie Meredith-Smith's home, in the town's Lewes Road, on Friday evening.

Despite numerous appeals on social networks, and several reported sightings, Nelson has not yet been found.

Ms Meredith-Smith, 26, who works as a store manager for Subway, in Cockerton, said: "I'm absolutely distraught about losing him.

"We had a report of a possible sighting at Eastbourne, but have spent hours searching.

"I've had his pictures all over various Darlington groups on Facebook, but without any joy so far.

"I have had him for about a year, I was given him as a pet, but he is ten or 11 years old in total."

Any sightings of Nelson can be reported to Ms Meredith-Smith on 07538-678-991.