A SNAKE which was found just inches from a seven-month-old baby's cot has not yet been rehomed.

The 4ft long Great Plains Rat Snake had slithered unnoticed into the home of Gareth Smith and his girlfriend Julie Greasley in Osbourne Grove, Brownlow Fold.

It made a home for itself under the couple's bed and was only discovered when it curled up under their baby daughter Caitlin's cot.

The snake is believed to have slipped in through an open back door several days before. It had been in the house long enough to shed its skin which was later found under the bed.

Thankfully no one was injured and the snake, which was probably a domestic pet, was removed by an RSPCA officer.

A spokesman for the animal charity said: "The snake is currently being cared for by 'foster parents'.

"It has not been rehomed yet. The usual routine checks would be carried out before the snake is sent to a new home.

"Its previous owner has not been traced."

Great Plains Rat Snakes are constrictors but the RSPCA reassured Caitlin's parents that it probably would have been too scared to approach the baby.