A baby snake found in a Barrow wheelie bin last year has been nursed back to health and is looking for a new home this week.

Julie Hutton received a huge shock when she discovered a baby corn snake living under her wheelie bin on December 28 last year.

However, she used her initiative and delivered the rare reptilian to Ulverston's Little Beasties pet shop who welcomed the new addition with open arms.

Mandy Christopher, Little Beasties manager, said: "We will miss Clause when he goes but we want him to find a new home so we can take in more animals."

The snake, aptly named Clause for his Christmas-timed discovery, is native to the North-American landscape, hence, his appearance in Barrow caused quite the confusion.

Mandy said: "Clause was such a surprising discovery as we can't quite work out how he got here.

"We presume he's an escaped pet as his species isn't native to our county, but no one's ever got in touch to claim him back so we're trying to find him a home.

"He could've been dropped as an egg but it's extremely unlikely he would've survived with the change in temperatures."

Upon his arrival at Little Beasties, Clause was underweight, covered in mites and rather unwell.

However, according to Mandy, he has now gained weight and is a much more lively member of the pet shop.

She said: "He's getting a bit fat now as he's eating so much but he's still the smallest snake we've ever had, he's so cute but we're really looking to rehome him at this point."

Information published by the RSPCA states corn snakes live between 10 and 15 years and are often kept as pets in the UK.

While the RSPCA said corn snakes can bite if frightened, they are not venomous.

If you're interested in purchasing Clause, he is available to buy from Little Beasties pet shop in The Auction Mart, Ulverston.