Runaway tortoise rescued after being spotted on train tracks

Solomon managed to squeeze in a ride on a train before he was eventually returned to his owner

Travelling can be a real adventure, exposing us to brand new places and sights.

One pet tortoise ended up on journey he could never have predicted last week.

Four trains were delayed after the reptile was spotted on the tracks.

Services between Ascot in Berkshire and Bagshot in Surrey were disrupted at about 6pm on Friday evening when a train driver made the strange discovery.

Solomon's was rescued from the train tracks by engineers

The tortoise, named Solomon, was rescued by engineers who managed to move him to safety and he even got a ride on a train.

“He has been retrieved and is now on his way home,” South Western Railway (SWR) said.

“Network Rail and SWR staff moved the tortoise to a position of safety on the platform, including a short ride on the train itself.

“Its owner collected it from the station later that evening, and, as far as we are aware, (the tortoise) was unharmed.”

Services in the area returned to normal by about 7pm.

The tortoise's troublesome behaviour caused delays to journeys in Surrey

Despite Solomon coming out of the ordeal safe and sound, people have been warned to keep an eye on their pets.

"While we are delighted that this story has a happy ending and can reassure passengers that our 'everyone home safe, every day' ambitions extend to pets, we must remind everyone that the railway is dangerous," said a spokesperson from Network Rail.

“We also ask that our lineside neighbours ensure that their fencing is secure to prevent human, or animal incursions onto the track.”