The search continues for a beloved tortoise who has been missing from his home for over three weeks.

15-year-old Shellidan went missing from his home in York Road in Martlesham Heath, east of Ipswich, at around 10am on June 25, just after his owners last saw him basking in the summer rays.

Ed Ward, 39, who works as a social care commissionaire for the Suffolk County Council and his husband Mike, who works in the Royal Engineers, say Shellidan was given to them after he was rescued by their neighbours.

Shellidan enjoying a meal in his gardenShellidan enjoying a meal in his garden (Image: Ed Ward)

The "kind natured" tortoise was named in honour of Mike and Ed's cat Sheridon, who also got his name from the carefree character of hit 90's show, Keeping Up Appearances.

The couple say Shellidan has a "friendly nature" and can be recognised by his misshapen shell.

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Ed added: "We miss him very much! It's been a very sad time without him.

"We have recruited all our neighbours to help find Shellidan and we have turned the garden upside down. The problem is it's very difficult to search for a tortoise, because you're basically looking for a brown and grey lump on the floor.

"He has lettuce, a bed and a loving family waiting for him so we hope he'll be back! We really want him home and we hope he's ok! 

Loving parents of Shellidan, Ed Ward on the left and Mike Ward on the rightLoving parents of Shellidan, Ed Ward on the left and Mike Ward on the right (Image: Ed Ward)

"Our neighbour's tortoise went missing for around a month, so it's possible that he's somewhere. We haven't given up hope!"

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The couple say Shellidan has escaped the garden once before but they made repairs to the garden to ensure his safety and security.

Anyone with information should contact the couple via Facebook to help them reunite with their beloved tortoise.