A 90-YEAR-OLD tortoise took on a 2.6 metre assault course as part of a national challenge to raise money for charity.

Not one to stay in her shell, Joey, from Leigh, broke her way through a toilet roll wall, pushed a croquet ball and attempted to crawl under a rainbow in aid of Canine Partners, which trains dogs to assist disabled people.

Joey was put to the test as part of Sunday’s 2.6 challenge, which was organised to support charities across the country after the cancellation of thousands of charity events - including the London Marathon.

Owner Julie Bishop said: “I’m a puppy socialiser for Canine Partners and have seen the amazing difference these dogs make, so I got the idea after watching the tortoises gradually becoming more active after hibernation and watching them explore the garden, which I have had more time to do during lockdown.

“On the course Joey managed to break through a toilet roll wall, pushed a croquet ball out of her way, stopped for a chat with her sister Minnie, and then finally made an effort to finish underneath a rainbow.”