A DISTRAUGHT Clayton-le-Moors boy is set to be sssmiling again with the news he is to get a new pet snake.

Little Daniel Threlfall was in tears when he discovered his pet corn snake Slither had lived up to his name and slithered out his tank a fortnight ago.

Despite a frantic search for the harmless corn snake - involving neighbours, shopkeepers and friends - Slither just vanished.

Even the RSPCA got involved, promising to keep an eye out for the snake.

Eight-year-old Daniel is still very upset about the loss of his treasured friend. His mum Leigh said: "Daniel is still very distraught about Slither. He only had him for two months but had grown incredibly fond of him."

But now, Daniel's misery is about to come to an end as his mum has embarked on a quest to find a new snake, which Daniel will hopefully have in the next fortnight.

Leigh added: "It's the only way he'll cheer up. He's absolutely obsessed with snakes and we can't bear him being like this any more."

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