A petrified mum is vowing to hoover every inch of her home after finding a false widow spider in her conservatory.

Gemma Diamond, from Hampton in Herne Bay, was sitting in the room at about 10am today when she heard something fall to the floor.

When she looked to her side she was shocked to see the alarming-looking arachnid.

"I was absolutely petrified," said the 36-year-old.

"I was having my morning coffee scrolling through my Facebook and I heard it. It was quite loud; enough for me to turn around.

"I had a tub on the side with plenty of nails in, quickly emptied that and put the spider in there and dropped it in my back garden.

"I think I broke its leg as I scooped it up in a panic. I apologised to it as I locked it out, but I wish I killed it because I now know what it is."

False widows - a relative of the infamous and deadly black widow - are widely regarded as Britain's most venomous spider.

Although not naturally aggressive towards humans, their fangs are capable of piercing flesh.

The strength of their venom can trigger a reaction akin to a wasp sting - and symptoms can include pins and needles, mild chest pains and swelling.

"I'm worried there's a nest," Ms Diamond added.

"I'm going to hoover every inch of my house from top to bottom. I'm not going to sleep easily now."

Read more: All the latest news from Herne Bay.