The pitter-patter of little feet greeted students when they returned to Kingston Maurward College in January, as three baby tortoises were born in the school's animal welfare centre over the Christmas period.

These pictures of Rudolph, Blitzen and Comet were taken when they were between two and three weeks old and their older siblings and parents were more than happy to pose alongside them for a family photoshoot.

Sarah Hassall, Head of Animal Science and Welfare at Kingston Maurward, said: "Whilst the majority of staff were enjoying the Christmas break, our College Animal Technicians were still hard at it ensuring the best possible welfare for our 250 animals.

"It’s hard work but does have its rewards. After a wait of 113 days they were first to meet Rudolph, Donna and Blitzen. First to arrive was Rudolph, aptly named as he has a blemish on his nose.

"These tiny but feisty additions have been bred from Sandie and Timmy our two Leopard Tortoises (Geochelone pardalis).

"The students had a great surprise when they first noticed the new arrivals weighing just 21g, learning about their care and monitoring their growth closely.

"This species will never get as large as our Sulcatta Tortoises, two of which we still have missing, but they still get to an impressive 18kg, being the fourth largest species in the world.

"Come to our Animal Festival on April 28 and you could get to meet them in person and see how they have grown."