AN abandoned snake found outside a Worcester nightclub has been taken to a reptile rescue centre to be looked after.

The 12-inch American corn snake was found outside Tramps nightclub in Angel Street, Worcester just before Christmas.

After being taken to the Vale Wildlife Rescue Centre, near Evesham by an RSPCA officer, the centre decided to find it a new home.

In February the Evening News reported that the centre was due to do a "house check" to see if a house was suitable for the snake, but lack of volunteers at the centre meant overworked staff could not find the time to check out the house.

"We were getting a bit full and the snake had been with us for quite a while," said Caroline Gould, manager of the rescue centre.

"Quite a few people rang up to look after him, and someone suitable was interested, but we never had time to look at the house.

"We could do with more volunteers, because if we had more volunteers we could have vetted the house."

The snake has now been taken by the RSPCA to Proteus, a reptile rescue centre in Birmingham.

The snake, which is about the same diameter as a 10 pence piece, had been feeding well since it was found on Sunday, December 22.

In January a Worcester man called the centre to say he had lost a similar snake four months ago, but he failed to call again.

Ms Gould said volunteers were also needed for fund-raising, and to work at The Vale Wildlife Charity Shop in Evesham.

"Volunteers have to be 16 or over, they can work in the day time or evening, for as many or fewer hours as they wish," said Ms Gould.

"If they can only spare one hour it doesn't matter, as long as we know they are coming to the centre."

Any interested volunteers should ring Ms Gould at the centre on 01386 882288.