A GLOBE-TROTTING gecko has been found in Altrincham after travelling more than 2,500 miles from a Greek island in a suitcase.

The Mediterranean house gecko, no bigger than a two pence piece, was spotted by Victoria Naylor while at home on Sandiway Road.

Victoria, 45, was unpacking on August 25 after a holiday in Crete when she saw something move in her suitcase.

She lost sight of whatever it was almost immediately, but two days later her children spotted a gecko on the wall.

Victoria said: "I saw something move from the suitcase, but I couldn’t find anything when I searched the room - and a couple of days later it appeared on a wall.

"It was so tiny and it's remarkable to think this gecko managed to travel so far, especially as the temperature is not what he's used to."

The family caught and cared for the gecko until RSPCA inpsector Jess Araujo was able to collect the cold-blooded, nocturnal reptile.

She said the gecko was in good health despite stowing away in a suitcase for such a long journey.

Jess said: "We believe the gecko is a baby as it's so small and about the size of a two pence piece.

"He's travelled more than 2,500 miles, but he appears unscathed by his long, adventurous journey. And unlike most travellers, he didn't need to have Covid tests!”

The gecko has since been taken in by a specialist reptile keeper, who has named him Gary.

And the RSPCA is using Gary's example to remind holidaymakers to check their suitcases.

A spokesperson said: "The RSPCA receives calls from people every year who have found reptiles, spiders and other exotic animals stowed away in deliveries or in suitcases.

"Unfortunately, it's unlikely we'd ever be able to return accidentally imported animals to their native environments, therefore these animals are rehomed to specialist keepers, zoos or wildlife parks who have the necessary knowledge and facilities to care for them properly.

"Geckos, like other reptiles, have specific needs including controlled temperature, lighting and humidity.

"This gecko would be very unlikely to survive UK temperatures at this time of year."