An author and TV writer is set to visit a Harpenden school, along with his tortoise Albert.

Albert is the focus of Ian Brown's books, and has over five thousand followers on Facebook.

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The reptile - which is now over 80-years-old - also has over 1.3 thousand followers on Twitter.

Albert was saved over 50 years ago by Ian's wife Millie when she was a young child.

Ian and Albert will visit Wood End School, in Yeomans Avenue, on March 9.

The visit will celebrate World Book Day, which will have taken place on March 2.

Herts Advertiser: Ian has written four books about Albert.Ian has written four books about Albert.

During the event, Ian will read from his books, tell tales of the real Albert and provide 'surprise giveaways'.

Along with working for The Herts Advertiser at one time, Ian has written and produced for the likes of Harrison Ford, Pierce Brosnan, Michael Caine, Trevor McDonald, The Simpsons, Martin Kemp, Jamie Oliver, Bob Monkhouse, Ian Wright, Des O'Connor, John Barnes, Davina McCall and Ross Kemp.

In Ian's first story about Albert, 'Albert Upside Down', the tortoise finds himself the wrong way up, on his shell.

Three further books have since been published, these include 'Albert and the Wind', 'Albert Supersize', and 'Albert In the Air'.

Speaking of Albert's fame, Ian Brown said: "Albert seems to be taking all this in his stride.

Herts Advertiser: Ian has also written books about 'a messy yeti' and a flea.Ian has also written books about 'a messy yeti' and a flea.

"He has become a bit of a diva but that might just be his age.

"We've all been amazed at how his popularity has grown.

"He has fans across the UK, USA, Japan and Australia. It took me thirty years to get a publishing deal, trying in between TV work, but Albert was the inspiration I needed.

"It's a delight to visit schools and share Albert’s world.

                                                                                                                                

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"Luckily they seem to like the stories and we hand out stickers and colour-in sheets too. Putting words into the mouth of picturebook Albert has been a joy.”

For more information about Albert the Tortoise, visit www.alberttortoise.com.