An appeal has been launched to help save an 80-year-old tortoise from being put down.

Mediterranean spur thigh tortoise Toby has been a part of owner Sophie Sarchet and her family's lives for more than 20 years in Sundridge, Sevenoaks.

However, her beloved companion, who was believed by the family to be a male during her first 15 years as their pet, has been diagnosed with follicular stasis.

The condition means eggs do not develop properly and causes them to exist without a shell.

This leads to the eggs remaining inside the body, leading to tortoises becoming ill and at risk of organ failure.

Sophie explained: "Toby was rehomed by us when she was found wandering the streets near our home.

"She has been a very loved member of our extended family for more than 20 years and has been with me for the last seven years.

“My two young boys adore her and love feeding her, especially her favourite food strawberries.

"[But] she has a condition called follicular stasis and is egg-bound.

"This is something that can happen to older female tortoises when their bodies produce egg yolks.

“They remain in their ovaries and form clusters that become enlarged and, if not removed, lead to liver and organ failure."

A life-saving operation to remove Toby's ovaries is therefore required to keep her alive, with Sophie appealing to animal lovers in a bid to help fund the treatment.

She has set up a fundraising page, and is appealing for donations in what is Toby's last-chance saloon.

It has already raised more than £550 for the surgery.

Sophie added: "Her treatment will involve surgery to remove the existing yolk clusters and then she will be spayed to ensure there are no future ovarian problems.

"It is a straightforward procedure and survival rates are very high, however I just can't afford the vets bill quoted at £1,059.39.

"Once she's had the surgery, her quality of life will be just as before with no risk of future ovarian problems.

"I have contacted a couple of local tortoise and animal charities but they have been unable to help.

"At this stage I feel the kindest option for her would be euthanasia – I can't bear the thought of doing nothing and knowing that she would suffer a slow death.

"I don't have it in my heart to say goodbye to her just yet, especially as I feel the decision is financial rather than moral."