A GIANT tortoise the size of a beach ball left people shellshocked by escaping a back garden to wander around the Main Road of Fairlie during the heatwave.

According to nearby residents, women were heard screaming as the creature was clambered about the Main Street and brought traffic to a halt on a balmy afternoon.

Rescuer Andy Temple couldn't believe his eyes as he managed to grab a hold of the frightened animal.

He took it into his garden for safekeeping, while putting out an appeal on the Largs and Millport News Facebook page for its owners.

Andy said: "It was a bit of a drama which unfolded last Thursday afternoon during the sweltering weather.

"Cars had stopped and one person was panicking.

"Nobody knew what to do.

"There was even a woman screaming.

"He was heavy but I lifted him and managed to put him into my garden.

"He is like a wee bulldozer - he was constantly trying to push through my gates to get out, and go down to the burn.

"I am not sure what his name is but he certainly got round my garden very fast, and trampled across the flowers!"

The tortoise's owners arrived shortly afterwards and he was safely returned home.

Andy said: "He lived around the corner from me in Station Road.

"It turned out that the tortoise had battered the hell out of their gates and decided to take a wander down onto the A78.

"He caused quite a commotion - it was a bit like having a hyperactive toddler in the garden, you couldn't keep him under control and he was worse than a puppy dog!

"I am just thrilled he is okay, and managed to get him safely back to his owners who seemed very grateful."

Tortoises generally have one of the longest lifespans of any animal and some are believed to have lived longer than 150 years.