Animal inspectors were called to rescue a snake which had coiled itself around a lamp post in Glasgow.

Officers from the Scottish SPCA were called to Hollybrook Street in Govanhill on August 11, after locals spotted the reptile.

The residents managed to get the rat snake into a pillowcase and waited for the animal experts to arrive.

Staff at the Scottish SPCA have now named the snake Lumiere, which is French for light.

Jennifer Connolly, Scottish SPCA inspector, said: “The woman who alerted us to Lumiere was pretty shaken up by her discovery.

“It’s not every day you find a snake outside your house so it’s understandable she got a fright.

“Someone else contained Lumiere inside a pillow case until I arrived because the lady wouldn’t go near him. Despite her shock, we’re very glad she called us so we could help Lumiere.”

Ms Connolly said the call could have saved the snake’s life.

She said: “Although it was really warm on Saturday, snakes need heat and once the temperature dropped in the evening, he wouldn’t have survived for long.”

The rescue of Lumiere was the second exotic rescue carried out in the city by the Scottish SPCA this week.

The charity also rescued a horsefield tortoise which was spotted between two parked cars outside a home in Yoker, Glasgow.

The tortoise has now been named Bolt, in homage to the triple Olympic gold medallist, Usain Bolt.

Both Bolt and Lumiere are being cared for at the Scottish SPCA’s Glasgow animal rescue and rehoming centre in Cardonald.

Anyone who recognises the pets are being encouraged to contact the charity on 03000 999 999.