A holidaymaker brought back more than a suntan when she returned from a break on a Greek holiday isle.

Siobhan Keleher opened her suitcase after returning from sunny Thassos - to see an unexpected stowaway... a lizard!

The Mediterranean House Gecko had survived a stuffy suitcase, freezing temperatures in the aeroplane hold and a journey of nearly 2,000 miles.

After recovering from seeing the surprise house guest, Siobhan called in experts at South East Exotic Pet Rescue, who identified the lizard and took him in to be cared for.

Matt Lacey who runs the Ashford-based rescue, said of the stowaway "Reptile Stowaways are quite common, although not many make it through their ordeal alive let alone in such good health.

"As soon as he arrived at our rescue he was feeding well - and we will be monitoring his health and providing the environment he needs to survive.

"Other stowaways we have heard about or dealt with have included a tortoise, several scorpions, lizards and frogs.

"Anyone who finds a stowaway should call in for assistance right away to ensure quarantine and health needs are met".

South East Exotic Pet Rescue takes in and rehomes hundreds of exotic animals every year - from giant snakes and lizards to tarantulas and scorpions.