A JAY-walking yellow-bellied slider terrapin has been reunited with its owner after narrowly escaping injury when it was found wandering in the middle of a road in West Quantoxhead.

The Free Press reported the tale of the aquatic visitor last week and within a few days the Tropiquaria animal and adventure park in Washford - which had been looking after the runaway - said the owner had been found.

But the former Bridgwater man, who has only recently moved to West Quantoxhead, is leaving the terrapin and another escapee in its temporary home for another fortnight while he constructs a more secure outside enclosure.

A third terrapin is believed to be still on the loose in the area.

But on the same day the owner was found, Tropiquaria received another call about a red corn snake in Long Street, Williton.

The snake, a North American species, had chosen to make its break for freedom appropriately on July 4 - America's Independence Day.

It was taken to Tropiquaria by Sarah Ashby, who found it, and the animal park's director Chris Moiser said he hoped its owner could be traced.

"This recent spell of hot weather has made most reptiles a little more active than they are normally, even when kept in heated enclosures, and many seem to have taken the opportunity to seek pastures new," said Mr Moiser.

"The corn snake is a beautiful specimen, with lovely colouring and I am sure somebody must be missing it."

Anyone who knows who the snake belongs to should call Tropiquaria on 01984 640688.