A SIXTY-year-old pet has disappeared and his owners are worried he may be shell-shocked!

Owner Jillian Horton said her friend first found Mr T the tortoise more than thirty years ago when she caught a group of children trying to barbecue him.

She rescued him and later passed him to the Horton family, who have cared for him for 24 years at their Laneside Road home, Haslingden.

Mr T has also been loved by generations of children at the Tor View special needs school, Haslingden, where Jillian teaches.

He disappeared on Tuesday, weeks before he is usually due to hibernate.

Jillian said: "He has been a part of our family for so long, we have turned over every leaf and twig looking for him.

"We are worried that someone has picked him up."

She believes he must be alive as tortoises can live to be 100 and usually die during hibernation.

Mr T, believed by animal experts to be around 60 years old, is worth about £300.

The family is offering a reward for his safe return. Anyone who has seen Mr T, contact Jillian on 01706 227047.