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Guernsey's rescued 'Barnacle Bill' turtle almost ready to go home

BBC A photo of the turtleBBC
The young turtle will be flown to Gran Canaria after regaining weight and strength

A turtle dubbed "Barnacle Bill" who was found washed up on a beach in Guernsey following Storm Ciarán will soon be flown back home.

The loggerhead turtle was freed from barnacles which weighed up to 885g (1lb 15oz) last month by the GSPCA.

Having now reached a healthy weight, the animal will now ben taken to Gran Canaria to be released.

GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne said "thanks to all the kindness offered after the storm".

GSPCA A photo of the turtleGSPCA
The turtle was about 1ft (30cm) long and had been found with barnacles attached

Mr Byrne said an islander had offered to fly the turtle back home once her paperwork had been completed.

He said: "We have been told it shouldn't be long [until she is flown back] but with Christmas so close it will be likely once that is out of the way.

"A huge thanks to all the kindness offered after the storm and to Barnacle Bill especially the amazing lift she will get when she is ready."

The turtle also received antibiotic treatments and spent time in an intensive care unit.

The GSPCA believes it is a young turtle, and said it measures just under 1ft (30cm) in length.

The GSPCA said there had been thousands of pounds' worth of damage to the charity's shelter after the storm.

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