Cheltenham holidaymaker returns to find lizard in their suitcase

The gecko travelled nearly 3,000 miles in the holidaymaker's suitcase. Credit: RSPCA

A holidaymaker from Cheltenham returned home to find a lizard had travelled nearly 3,000 miles in their suitcase.

The gecko was discovered when the holidaymaker returned to their home in Gloucestershire after a trip to Cape Verde.

Animal welfare charity the RSPCA say the lizard would not have survived UK temperatures, so is reminding people to thoroughly check their luggage before leaving any holiday destination.

Reptiles require specific temperature, lighting and dietary requirements and it is a criminal offence to release a non-native animal into the wild.

The RSPCA are advising the public to immediately contact the charityif they find themselves in a similar position.