Durham: The young Leopard “turbo” tortoise has set a new world record after covering an 18ft-long ascending track in 21.47 seconds.
Then the creature overcame his own previous time by clocking in at 19.59 seconds.
This record attempt of the tortoise was at Adventure Valley theme park, near Durham City.
It was fastidiously monitored, with three veterinarians, a course architect and two timekeepers.
Their paperwork and videos will now be sent to the officials of the Guinness World Records, with the hope that Bertie has entered the record books.
During this attempt, Bertie’s little legs were spinning like clock hands when Marco placed him on the start line.
He could brake the previous world record of 43.7 seconds, set by a tortoise named Charlie at the National Tortoise Championships at Tickhill, South Yorkshire, in 1977.
Second time out, he slashed another two seconds off his personal best, before being retired to his cage for a well-earned rest.
Bertie’s speed was spotted shortly after he arrived at the Adventure Valley. He was donated by a family who were emigrated, three-and-a-half years ago.

Video on the world record attempt of tortoise Bertie