A three-foot milk snake has been discovered soaking up the sunshine in a garden.

The red and white reptile was found in Grosvenor Place in Margate by a startled member of public on Thursday, February 21, who managed to put a box over it and contact the RSPCA.

Inspector Grace Harris-Bridge collected the snake and took it to an exotics centre for care.

She is now hoping to find the owner of the snake, which is believed to be a lost pet.

Grace said: “Unfortunately, it isn’t clear what has happened and how the snake came to be in this garden.

"The caller had recently moved into the house and said they had found a peat-like substance under the stairs which is a material commonly used as bedding for reptiles.

"Then they found the snake in the garden but had no idea how long it had been there. The snake is in a good condition but a little cold from being outside and not in the right environment.

"Reptiles are quite complex pets to keep. They are completely reliant on their owners to meet their welfare needs, which include the need to be provided with the correct levels of heat, light and humidity, plus an appropriate diet for the particular species."

Milk snakes are not venomous and pose no danger to humans.

The RSPCA is appealing for information and hopes to find the owner but if no owner is found then the reptile will be rehomed.

If you are the owner or have more information please call 0300 123 8018.

Many of the snakes the RSPCA's officers are called to collect are thought to be escaped pets.

The RSPCA would always recommend owners invest in an enclosure suitable for the particular species and that the enclosure is kept secure (and locked if necessary) when unattended.

The RSPCA advises that if a snake is found by a member of the public, they should keep a safe distance and contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.