Abandoned Littlehampton terrapins bask in TV limelight

The tiny terrapins were saved by a pest control officer, from Arun District Council, after they were spotted soaking up the sun near Brookfield Park’s lake.

Now, a few months on from their rescue, they pair have been enjoying the high-life on BBC children’s programme, Dick and Dom Go Wild.

The lucky reptiles were just a couple of those saved in the area after a three-week long operation was conducted by the council.

The creatures were netted and caught by Arun’s pest control officer Stuart Taylor, after he deployed a series of humane traps.

While some were put up for re-homing, two were taken to the Raystede Animal Welfare Centre in Ringmer, where Dick and Dom happened to be filming at the time.

Tuesday’s programme, on CBBC, showed the popular children’s presenters getting stuck into frontline wildlife rescue and care, with the town’s terrapins taking centre stage.

Now Arun’s cabinet member for the environment councillor Paul Dendle is now urging others to think before they buy their pets.

Mr Dendle said: “This isn’t the first time we have had pets that people no longer want dumped in our lakes, ponds and parks.

“We do take these matters seriously. First, there is an animal welfare issue and second, it is an offence to introduce a non-native species into a local eco-system.”

For now, the fortunate duo are enjoying being pampered by staff at the animal centre.