TWO brothers are heartbroken after their football-loving tortoise Fred went missing from their garden in Chester.

William and Patrick Brock, aged 10 and eight, are urging people in the area of Panton Road in Hoole to check their own gardens and yards for the pet.

Their hero in a half shell – who loves chasing lawnmowers - disappeared on the morning of Friday, July 5, trotting off down an alleyway at the back of the house.

The lads’ dad Andy told The Standard that Fred is between 60 and 70 years old and had been passed down through generations in the family.

“William and Patrick are heartbroken to have lost him,” he said. “He’s been in our family for a very long time so we’re desperate to have him home.

“He’s really friendly and is very confident with people, he also loves playing with footballs and chasing lawnmowers!”

Andy added: “He is very distinctive as he has two bright green marks on his shell where the vet recently had to treat him.

“We are asking for local residents to please check their gardens to see if he might be hiding out there and to look out for him in local parks when they are out and about, especially on sunny mornings as this is when he likes to wander about the most.

“There is a £100 reward to anyone that finds him.”

* If you spot Fred, contact the family by email at andy@brocky.co.uk