STAFF at Kingston Lacy near Wimborne have welcomed some new arrivals to their trust.

Three female spur-thighed tortoises, and one female Hermann's, will live at the site over the summer until September.

They have been loaned by the British Chelonia Group which advises on the care and conservation of tortoises, terrapins and turtles.

The interest in tortoises at Kingston Lacy stems from family member William John Bankes, who rebuilt the house between 1835 and 1841 and was an intrepid explorer.

Bernie King, assistant house steward, said: "William was very keen on tortoises from an early age. When he transformed Kingston Lacy into an Italian palazzo he incorporated tortoises into many of his designs, from torchères (CORR) and bronzes in the saloon to bases for garden ornaments.

"He famously carried a tortoise in his bag to Paris so that Baron Carlo Marochetti could make an accurate model prior to casting the bronzes for the garden."

The four tortoises range greatly in age. The eldest, Berry, is between 70 and 80-years-old and the youngest are Carry and Gerry, who are both 40-years-old. The Hermann’s tortoise Betty, who was previously with a family for over 40 years, is 50-years-old.

The chairperson of the British Chelonia Group, Henny Fenwick, added: "It’s a fantastic idea that Kingston Lacy are reinstating tortoises back to the estate after over 150 years. It is a marvellous opportunity for people to see these fascinating creatures."

Visitors can see the tortoises daily from 10am-4pm until September where they are located in the glasshouse on the far side of the fernery wall.