A woman in West Lothian was given a fright after a neighbour's 2ft royal python appeared in her kitchen.

The alarmed woman called the police for help when she discovered the snake in her home in Bathgate, West Lothian, on Tuesday.

The Scottish SPCA attended and found the reptile curled up under the metal grate behind the fridge.

The snake, a two-month-old royal python named Fleur, had slithered her way into the property from the flat upstairs.

She had been missing for three weeks before making her way into the neighbours kitchen and has since been reunited with her owner after giving the neighbour a Halloween fright.

Senior animal rescue officer Fiona Thorburn said: "Obviously finding a snake in your kitchen can be a bit disturbing - but it wouldn't be Halloween if something like this didn't happen.

"Snakes are notorious escape artists. They're very clever and can figure out how to manipulate locks so owners have to be careful to ensure their vivariums are secure.

"This story, thankfully, has a happy ending. Fleur had been missing for three to four weeks so her owner Phoebe was delighted to hear from us about having found her this morning."

The snake was in good condition despite its adventure.

Anyone concerned about the welfare of an animal should contact the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.