A celebrity tortoise, who is the main character of his own book series, will be the star of his latest book launch this month.

Albert has lived in Gravesend for more than 50 years, and will launch his latest work together with his owner and author Ian Brown at Waterstones in Bluewater.

The event, taking place on February 13 from 2pm, will see children enjoy a story time session and have the chance to meet Albert.

The tortoise is more than 80 years old and has been a pet in Ian’s family more than five decades after being rescued by his wife Millie when she was a little girl at the family home in Cross Lane East.

With his own pages on Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok, Albert has gathered thousands of fans around the world and his appeal has grown since the release of the first book, Albert Upside Down, illustrated by Eoin Clarke.

There are now four books in the series, including Albert and the Wind, Albert Supersize and new book Albert in the Air.

He is also a big hit amongst celebrities and influencers, getting the attention of the likes of The Only Way is Essex' Lydia Bright, who said Albert Upside Down was a "new favourite" book for her daughter Loretta.

Danny Miller, former I'm A Celebrity King and ex-Emmerdale star is another famous face to be charmed by the tortoise. With his fiancée Steph and baby son Albert, Danny has posted videos of himself reading the Albert books as a bedtime story to little Albert. He described the books as baby Albert's favourite.

Albert's book launch will be one of the early events tied to World Book Day next month.

Ian Brown said: “It is very exciting to be coming to Waterstones Bluewater – so close to Albert’s long-time home.

"Putting words into the mouth of Albert has been a joy. I can’t wait to share tales of real Albert and the picture books with the children along with the new books about a Yeti and his friend a flea."