This is the moment contractors working at the National Sports Centre were confronted with an angry snake.

The 3ft-long black and white Californian kingsnake was found in the car park. It was quite aggressive and lashing out.

But the workmen, employed on the £4.3m pool refurbishment contract, were able to catch the grumpy reptile by placing an upturned bin over it.

The MSPCA was called but by chance, reptile enthusiast Michael Kelly, who works for Mann Recovery Services, was passing by.

He agreed to take it on and the snake, who has been named Tim, is now recovering in a vivarium at his home in Peel.

MSPCA assistant manager Jane Gregory was called out to the NSC with some trepidation as she is terrified of snakes.

She said there had been a reported sighting of a snake slithering into a bush at the NSC four weeks ago. Staff from Ard Jerkyll went down to take a look but could find no sign.

Full story - read this week’s Manx Independent