A homeowner had the fright of her life when she found a snake on her doorstep.

The reptile, which turned out to be a royal or ball python, was found slithering round on tiles at her front door of her home in Gillingham.

A picture of the snake was put on the Animals Lost and Found in Kent Facebook page in the hope its owner could be found.

The post was shared many times, but its owner has not yet been located.

A neighbour of the woman, who lives in Malvern Road, later caught the animal after it hid in bushes next to her home and it has now been taken to get checked over by a vet

The Trinity Veterinary Centre, in Hermitage Lane, Maidstone, now has the python.

Staff posted on its Facebook page: "A stray snake has been handed into us after being found in Gillingham.

"If you are missing a snake and think it may be yours please let us know."

If you own the snake, call 01622 726730.