A CUNNING escape artist is hoping his owner will want to hiss-and-make-up after he left his home to enjoy the great outdoors.

The reptile was spotted near a group of children on a street corner in Northallerton, North Yorkshire.

Despite trying to remain inconspicuous, the snake failed to prevent attention being drawn to his striking black and yellow markings running the length of his 5ft body.

The local police were notified after a man saw the Taiwanese beauty snake slinking along Meadow Lane.

Inspector Simon Lovell said: "Some local children that were playing in the street were drawn to the snake, and so the caller was just concerned in case they were in any danger."

The snake has now taken up temporary residence in Askham Bryan College's Animal Management Unit, near York, where keeper Dave Butchart said the snake is restless but harmless.

He said: "He is certainly a frisky little beast, but not at all dangerous. In fact, many people keep these species of 'rat snakes' as pets. They are well know for being daredevil escape artists who can squeeze through the smallest of gaps.

"He is very pretty to look at, and by his good condition, I imagine he has an owner out there who wants to know where he is."

The snake has been well travelled since his capture on Tuesday evening. He was initially placed in a dustbin by police until the RSPCA took him away.

His first point of call was the Ryedale Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, in Malton, where manager Jean Thorpe looked after him for the night.

Yesterday morning he was transferred to the college.

His owner is asked to contact Mr Butchart on (01904) 772277