29 July 2012 Last updated at 06:22 ET

Norfolk Tortoise Club wants to rehome 50 animals

The increased availability of tortoises to buy as pets has contributed to the number now needing new homes

Fifty tortoises are in need of rehoming in Norfolk, an animal welfare group has said.

The reptiles have been abandoned, given up as pets or left in trust as they often outlive their owners.

Eleanor Tirtasana, of the Norfolk Tortoise Club, said: "People buy them as pets without realising what they are taking on.

"They get settled best in the summer, so we want to rehome them before the start of winter hibernation."

The Norfolk Tortoise Club, based in Norwich, works with organisations across England to find homes where the tortoises can thrive.

"A lot of people buy a tortoise and think they can keep it indoors in a box or vivarium [reptile house] for its whole life, but long term they need to be outside and enjoying natural sunlight," said Ms Tirtasana.

"This is a wonderful, interactive, pet that can live to be more than 100 years old, but more needs to be done to educate potential owners about their pets' welfare, diet and appropriate homing needs."

The Norfolk Tortoise Club has already rehomed 80 tortoises this year and currently receives between two to 20 animals a week.

They live with volunteers until new homes can be found.