A PET snake which went missing more than two months ago has finally slithered back.

Eric, a four foot long Corn Snake, escaped from his tank on March 21, and despite an extensive search by his owners Suzanne and Norman Ogden, he was nowhere to be found.

At the time the couple who live at Station Road, Blackrod, thought that the snake had gone off in search of a mate.

And they had almost given up hope of ever seeing him again - when he made his reappearance from behind the stereo.

Mrs Ogden said: I couldn't believe it, " said Mrs Ogden. "I was sitting in a chair and leaned over, and there was his head looking right at me. I said to my husband 'Eric's home'

"We don't know exactly where he's been but he must have been somewhere in the house all of the time.

"He was icy cold and has shed his skin but seems as fit as a fiddle. We don't think he's eaten since he's been away but he's not weedy thin. He doesn't seem to have found a girlfriend either," she added.

When Eric went missing, the couple carried out an extensive search for the black and orange reptile, pulling out heavy furniture and checking down the backs of chairs. They even took the stereo out.

"Apart from taking the fire to pieces and ripping the settee covers, we checked everywhere," added Mrs Ogden.

However Eric's adventures in the future are to be curtailed for the Ogden's have taped down the lid of his tank to prevent any further escapes.

The couple are delighted to have their pet back ... and are thinking about buying a mate for him!

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