A GRASS snake the size of a 50 pence piece was rescued by Secret World Wildlife Rescue after a resident found it in a suitcase. 

The snake, which has been named Atom because of its tiny size, was found curled up in a suitcase owned by a member of the public who called Secret World for advice. 

Secret World response driver Jessie Shedden picked up Atom, who is the size of a 50 pence piece and took him to the centre. 

After his arrival, he was assessed by animal carer Sarah Tingvoll.

Sarah said: “It’s not every day you find a snake in your suitcase, so I think the member of public who contacted Secret World was surprised.

“At this time of the year, grass snakes are normally in hibernation.

"Baby grass snakes don’t need much food, as they are able to live off their yolk for a year.

"Atom has been placed in a warm vivarium and has food there should he want to eat it.”

A spokesman for Secret World said carers will continue to care for Atom until he's warm enough to be released back into the wild. 

Secret World provides a 365-days-a-year service to rescue sick, injured or orphaned wildlife.

It rescues over 5,000 animals per year.

Residents who would like advice on how to look after wild animals or would like to report injured wildlife should call 01278 783 250.