A Witney family is glad to have a beloved pet tortoise back after the escapee reptile was returned to the wrong person. 

Kevin, the 18-year-old Horsefield tortoise, has been a treasured pet for the Garratt family since he was two. 

Mark Garratt said the cute reptile had been a gift to his eldest son Riley shortly after losing his mother to cancer.

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The tortoise is believed to have escaped from home last week and was located in nearby Marsh Walk in Witney. 

He was then taken to Tremain Veterinary Group who posted a call out for the owner on Facebook. 

Mr Garratt believed another person received the tortoise - thinking it was their own animal.

After 24-hours at the wrong address, however, Kevin was returned to the Garratt family. 

There will hopefully be plenty of time to recover - with Kevin's species able to live to 100 years. 

Mr Garratt said Kevin lives in an outdoor enclosure in the garden so he can spend time outside in the warmer weather. 

The vegetarian critter's favourite foods are dandelion leaves, clover and lettuce. 

The Tremain Veterinary Group has confirmed the tortoise was returned to an owner but has not provided further comment.