A 10ft python on the loose for more than three months after escaping has been found in a tree above a Tesco car wash.

Zombie, a female Coastal Carpet Python, was found yesterday afternoon by workers in Larkfield Tesco car park off Leybourne Way, its owner Chris Cini said.

The reptile disappeared from its home in Larkfield 100 days ago, sparking panic.

Mr Cini said: "One of the car wash people was washing a car when a pigeon pooed on it. He looked up to swear at it and saw the snake just hanging up in the tree."

The slippery serpent proved difficult to retrieve, having climbed to about 30ft, Mr Cini, of Fielding Road said.

"I borrowed a ladder from a burial man, she was really entangled in the tree and obviously enjoying her freedom."

Heron Road resident Russell Dewhurst helped Mr Cini search for Zombie when she first went missing.

The 43-year-old said: "I arrived about five o'clock and found Chris in a tree struggling to get it down.

"I went up the ladder behind him and got it over my shoulder. She was in fairly good spirits- for a snake.

"It was an absolute relief for Chris, he is absolutely over the moon to have her back."

When Zombie -so called because of her heavy breathing- went missing in June dozens of residents pitched in to search for her.

A picture of the snake sauntering by the Larkfield Surgery in Chaucer Way on the Poet's Estate attracted hundreds of shares on social media.

Mr Cini said apart from a little dry skin Zombie is unharmed despite her adventure. He said: "I am so relieved and happy, we didn't think we would see her again."

"I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who helped look for her and thank the car wash people who found her."