SURPRISED mechanics called the Scottish SPCA after finding a snake under the bonnet of a car they were about to jump start.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted after the cornsnake was discovered at North Road Garage, in Kelty.

The snake is now in the care of the charity’s Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre, in Balerno, where he has been nicknamed Punto.

Animal Rescue Officer Stacey Jamieson said, “The mechanics got a bit of a shock when they opened the bonnet and found Punto.

“He would have been attracted by the heat so it would have seemed like a good place to take a rest. I’m not sure where Punto came from but there’s a sewage works next to the garage so it’s possible he got into a pipe somewhere and has been surviving on sewer mice since then.

“Punto is a lovey wee snake and it would be great to reunite him with his owner but if no-one comes forward for Punto we’ll find him a new home.” Anyone who recognises Punto is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA’s animal helpline on 03000 999 999.