THE latest tortoise tots from the Lake District Wildlife Park have made it onto the big screen.

Alan Titchmarsh yesterday (Monday) played host to the recently hatched tiny tortoises which were named after their cartoon cousins the Ninja Turtles.

The north Lakes tortoises, which measure at 5cm across the shell compared to their mother at 55cm, were watched by more than one million viewers during the ITV magazine programme.

Park manager Richard Robinson, who took the family to the studio in London, said: “It was the conservation and sensible pet ownership message was what struck a chord with ITV Show researches and they were delighted that we could travel down to the studio.

"The audience gave a huge aww when we brought out the little ones and Alan was mesmerised by them."

Mr Titchmarsh held one in his hand and declared “I think I’ve fallen in love!”

And waiting in the wings was Wildlife Expert Mike Dilger who also covers the BBC's One Show.

The Lake District Wildlife Park, near Keswick, is keen to promote conservation and was delighted to hear from a London Primary School who has already set up a SKYPE school visit.

“It’s been amazing the response we have had and if we can work more closely with schools to promote the conservation message, we could ask form nothing more," added Mr Robinson. "The tortoises are not yet on display, but we are working on ideas and ways we can let the public get a closer glimpse of their progress.”