A Hucknall landlady was shocked to discover an uninvited visitor slithering around her pub's private garden and making a beeline for her budgies!

Alison Dawes, who runs The Half Moon on South Street, found the small snake at around 7pm yesterday (Sunday 31 August) when she let her dog outside.

Speaking exclusively to Hucknall Nub News, Ms Dawes said: "I let the dog out, checked the birds (her canaries) and there it was, just slithering through the cage.

"I thought one of the staff members had played a joke and put a plastic one outside. And then it wiggled!"

She then enlisted the help of an unfazed regular, who managed to safely catch the 'very active' reptile and put it in a pillowcase.

Ms Dawes said she beleives the creature is a harmless, escaped pet and doesn't pose any threat to people.

The snake has yet to be reunited with its rightful owner as no one has come forward to claim it despite the pub issuing an appeal on social media.

It is currently being looked after by an expert until the owner can be tracked down.

Last month, the RSPCA issued a warning to snake owners to ensure that their pets are contained securely as the hot weather makes the reptiles active and therefore more likely to escape.

Anyone who thinks the snake may belong to them is asked to contact The Half Moon via their Facebook page, by phoning them on (0115) 8747066 or by popping into the pub. Upon contacting the venue you will be asked to describe the snake and prove ownership of it.