TORTOISE OWNERS are being urged to come out of their shell and celebrate their pets as being part of one of the most fascinating species around.

The Northern England Tortoise Society (NETS) has been set up to offer encouragement and practical help to tortoise owners in the region.

And one of the founder members, Linda Muspratt from Flixton, told SUM why she and fellow tortoise lovers decided to set up the service.

"A lot of people who own tortoises don't have the right information about how to take care of them - different types can handle different conditions" she explained, "They're wonderful pets to have, but they need to be looked after properly".

Over the past twenty years enormous strides have been made in the research and observation of tortoises in the wild and in captivity. The Society's aim is to educate people about the appropriate care of these ancient reptiles and to celebrate those who are flourishing.

NETS provides three open days a year to owners and would-be owners - with an emphasis on making these events as friendly and informative as possible.

Here, tortoises can be weighed and measured, with free lessons available on how to do basic health checks. It is an occasion when people just enjoy meeting other tortoise owners and swapping stories.

"I get loads of phonecalls from people just wanting to talk about their tortoises, it's amazing - people are so passionate about them" enthused Linda.

Linda and her friend Sue Rushton have also set up a homing facility where owners who are going on hoilday can leave their beloved pets - knowing that they will be in good hands. A sort of Butlins for tortoises!

Membership for the Society costs £8 a year and the next open day will be taking place on April 11, between 12-4pm at Droylsden Working Men's Club, Kershaw Street, Off St John Street, Off the Manchester Road.

If you would like to get in touch with Linda, you can contact her on 747 4004, and the number for Northern England Tortoise Society is 0161 301 5601.

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