NEIGHBOURS of young animal lover Daniel Threlfall are pulling out all the stops to help him track down his pet snake.

Nervous local shopowners have put up posters of eight-year-old Daniel's bright orange and red baby corn snake - called Slither - after the slippery customer escaped.

Daniel last saw his prized pet when he returned it to its tank in his Willow Street garden. It escaped through a slit in the roof of the tank, leaving Daniel devastated.

Last spotted in Lower Barnes Street, Clayton-le-Moors, by a resident who was collecting a pizza on his doorstep, Slither has since sneaked off in the direction of Alexandra Close.

Daniel's mum Leigh is now appealing to other residents to keep and eye out for the unusual pet.

Leigh said: "Daniel is devastated. Ever since he went to Blackpool and got to hold a big snake he has been obsessed by them.

"We got him the snake in June for his birthday and he has been ever so happy with him.

"When he first got lost, we pulled up the skirting boards and turned the house upside down trying to find Slither. I just hope it isn't gone for ever."

Posters have also been put up in vets' surgeries, and the RSPCA have been informed, but as yet there had been no sign of the s-s-s-sneaky pet.

Leigh added: "We feel sure he is still alive because the hot weather has made it warm enough to survive."

Anyone with any information about Slither, who is perfectly safe to handle, should contact the family on 01254 389684.

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