A tortoise that is looking for love after nearly 50 years of being single is still on the hunt for his shellmate - after several rounds of speed dating failed to do the trick.

Diss Mercury: Timmy Tortoise is looking for love.Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018Timmy Tortoise is looking for love.Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018 (Image: Archant 2017)

Owner Andrew Gipson has been contacted by several tortoise owners from across Norfolk with the hope that their female may be right for Timmy.

But after further investigating it was found that Timmy was not the same breed as those he dated so could not match.

Mr Gipson is now hoping to find Timmy a partner at the Norfolk Tortoise Club which looks after tortoises in need of rehoming and offers expert advice.

Mr Gipson, from Diss, said: 'I think I would feel happier if he finds a mate at the club.

Diss Mercury: Timmy Tortoise is looking for love.Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018Timmy Tortoise is looking for love.Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018 (Image: Archant 2017)

'I just need to make sure there are no risks to Timmy's health or his mate.'

Mr Gipson, 52, recently moved to Diss from Milton Keynes to help his parents. He is nervous about Timmy's first adventure with a female since he has been without for 48 years.

The search for a partner came after Mr Gipson felt Timmy was lonely.

Mr Gipson remains hopeful that Timmy will be able to find a mate soon but is unsure of how he would be able to care for them.

Diss Mercury: Timmy Tortoise is looking for love.Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018Timmy Tortoise is looking for love.Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018 (Image: Archant 2017)