A pensioner has been left heartbroken after her beloved pet tortoise was stolen.
Diana French has had 74-year-old Shellie for 49 years.
She lives in the retired teacher’s back garden.
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But when she went down to check on her she had vanished.
But a fence panel had been lifted up.
Diana, 80, called cops who are investigating.
The upset OAP is also offering a reward for Shellie’s safe return.
Diana told What’s The Jam: “She’s been with us for so long she really is part of the family.
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“She couldn’t get out of the garden on her own.
“We got her for my son in 1975.
“And he’s coming home from Australia soon, so will be upset that Shellie’s been stolen.”
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Shellie was stolen from their house in Rough Common, near Canterbury, Kent last Thursday (1 Aug).
She is a Grecian tortoise and has a distinctive white mark on her back.
Every October Shellie hibernates by digging her way underground in the garden, before emerging in the spring.
Diana will then wash her and treat her shell with baby oil.
She eats bananas and nectarines as well as dandelions.
Kent Police has been approached for comment.
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