A pair of flipping fantastic friends are set to share a tank once more as they prepare to be reunited at a Norfolk aquarium.

Green sea turtles Ernie and Noah became buddies when the devastating December tidal surged flooded Hunstanton's Sea Life Sanctuary.

Ernie was among the 2,500 underwater residents that were evacuated to neighbouring pools and he was moved in with nine-year-old Noah, the resident sea turtle at Great Yarmouth's Sea Life Centre.

The pair spent 10 months as aquatic pals before Ernie was moved back to Hunstanton when the Sanctuary re-opened last month.

And now the half-shell hero is returning the favour and lending his tank to Noah whose underwater home is being drained for a major re-fit.

The re-fit is part of a larger project to refurbish and re-theme the ocean display at Yarmouth with a dramatic new coral reef habitat.

Sanctuary general manager Nigel Croasdale said: 'Though very independent animals, Noah and Ernie did get on famously in Great Yarmouth, so I am sure they will be happy to see each other again.

'Great Yarmouth helped us out hugely by housing Ernie and our sharks and penguins after the flood, so it's good to be able to return the compliment.'

Noah will be leaving for Hunstanton on Tuesday to join Ernie in the Sanctuary's plush new surroundings.

The sharks that share his tank meanwhile, will be going to the Sea Life Centre in Birmingham during the re-fit.

And when the creatures return to Yarmouth's Golden Mile in the new year they will be the biggest selection of tropical shark and ray species on the east coast.

The new displays will also feature new interactive features to help make their shark encounter even more memorable for visitors.