A HAMPSHIRE parliamentary candidate reunited a lost tortoise with its owner after coming across the reptile on the campaign trail.

Conservative Romsey and Southampton North hopeful Caroline Nokes found the animal attempting to cross a road in Melchet Park, Plaitford.

She had been out campaigning with party Blackwater borough council candidate Nick King ahead of the election on May 7.

Ms Nokes took to social media to find the owner of the wandering reptile and eventually made contact with owner Loraine Fenemore, who lived about 20 metres from where the tortoise was found.

Ms Nokes said: “I was quite surprised to find a tortoise wandering around Melchet Park, particularly as this one seemed quite dirty as though it had been out in the wild for the winter, thankfully it had survived hibernation but I thought it best to take her home and try to find the owner.”

“Some people posted information on how to care for the tortoise, which I found invaluable while others offered foster homes - I don't think I've ever had such a large social media response before”

“I think it's fantastic that we've been able to reunite Peggy with Loraine so quickly, it's certainly a campaign story that I won't forget.”