A student was startled when he opened his car bonnet to find a three-foot snake in the engine.

Sean Goodlife had gone to tighten a nut when he was confronted by the brightly-marked reptile.

"Quite by chance, I looked under the bonnet before I drove off and there was the snake," said Mr Goodlife, from Tilbury Rise, Nottingham.

"It is not something you see every morning so I was a little surprised. I closed the bonnet so that I did not frighten it off and went inside to call the RSPCA."

Difficult pets

An officer from the animal charity identified it as a non-poisonous milk snake which is usually found in the United States.

RSPCA inspector Gary Eastwood said the snake, which was unharmed, either escaped or was released by its owner before it was found last Wednesday.

"Exotic animals do not make suitable pets for most people.

"They can live much longer and grow much bigger than people realise so potential owners need to be absolutely certain of what they are taking on and the commitment involved.

"Sadly, more than 3,700 exotic animals were dumped, neglected or handed in to the RSPCA in the past year."

Milk snakes grow up to almost two metres in length and have very specific dietary and enviromental requirements.

The snake is being looked after by the RSPCA.

Anyone who knows where the snake may have come from should contact the RSPCA on (08705) 555999.