Two baby tortoises at Valentines Mansion have been named by children in a competition.

Ilford Recorder: Ahad Ali 9 named his tortoise Tashi which is a tibettan name meaning LuckyAhad Ali 9 named his tortoise Tashi which is a tibettan name meaning Lucky (Image: Archant)

Nine-year-old Ahad Ali came up with the name “Tashi” - a Tibetian name meaning lucky - and seven-year-old Tavia Boehringer decided on “Jonus”.

The children drew pictures to go with their names and won a wooden art case from Ryman’s of Ilford and gift vouchers. They will also get to visit Tashi and Jonus.

The two-year-old tortoises live at the mansion in Emerson Road, Ilford, and make special appearances at family events during the summer.

Their mother, Tinkerbell, has been at the mansion since it opened to the public back in 2009, and tortoises were popular pets for past residents of the stately home.

Valentines Park manager Simon Litt said: “I’m thrilled with the names and I’m sure the baby tortoises will be just as happy with them.

“It’s fantastic to get the local and wider community involved in this way.”