A runaway tortoise added excitement to the Rai Valley Area School Pet Day yesterday .

An announcement was made over a loud speaker asking people to look out for the tortoise, but not to pick it up.

Rai Valley Area School principal Angela Sloane later said the tortoise had been found safe and well in a shrub.

Mrs Sloane, who became principal 12 weeks ago, said a highlight of pet day was watching senior students compete in an agricultural skills competition organised by Young Farmers.

Events included stacking firewood, putting up an electric fence, blind food tasting and animal health questions.

The event has a long history. Dates on the silver cups awarded to winners of the various sections went back to the 1970s, Mrs Sloane said.

Caring for an animal taught children useful skills for life, she said.

- The Marlborough Express

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