FORMER policeman Grahame Woodward got more than he bargained for when he went to put out his rubbish last Sunday evening - he was greeted by a 16-inch Corn snake.

He found the snake seeking refuge in his late-Victorian outside loo.

Grahame, who lives in Courtland Road, Wellington, said: “The snake was coiled up at the back of the toilet seat. It stopped me in mid movement as my brain struggled to process what my eyes were seeing.

“I am grateful to Claire who forwarded my find to Wayne, a snake owner, via the ‘We Love Wellington...’ Facebook page and to Wayne, who subsequently collected the reptile for safe-keeping.”

Anyone who can shed some light on the snake’s owner can contact Grahame on 07776 313768.