Customers at The Horns Inn in Gnosall were treated to an unusual sight this evening when one diner tucked into his evening meal with - wait for it - a royal python calmly resting on his head.
Chris Carter, who moved to Gnosall from Herefordshire three years ago, attracted plenty of curious glances as he enjoyed his meal alongside Kelly, his pet royal python. Far from causing alarm, Kelly appeared perfectly relaxed, draped comfortably around Chris's head while he chatted with me - as I rudely interrupted his meal curiously looking for a story (well, who wouldn't!)
Chris, who works locally as a chicken farmer, has an extraordinary passion for reptiles. At home, he cares for 104 snakes spanning nine different species, a responsibility that can take up to 10 hours each day.
Among his collection is a 14-foot reticulated python, one of the world's longest snake species. Chris says his long-term ambition is to own a green anaconda, the second-heaviest snake species on Earth.
Despite the impressive collection, Chris says his reason for occasionally bringing his pet snakes into Gnosall pubs is surprisingly simple.
"I want people to realise they're not all scary."
Chris Carter
By allowing people to see and even meet one of his snakes in a relaxed setting, he hopes to challenge common misconceptions and encourage curiosity rather than fear.
Chris lives in a four-bedroom house in Gnosall - filled with reptile tanks - and also enjoys being self-sufficient, growing his own veg and dedicating much of his spare time to caring for his remarkable collection.
While it's certainly not every day that you see someone eating their dinner with a snake perched on their head, Kelly's calm temperament and Chris's obvious enthusiasm sparked smiles and conversations in the pub.
I'd like to thank Chris for sharing his fascinating - and rather unusual - story with me, demonstrating why Gnosall isn't just a place with lots of character, but also home to lots of very interesting characters too.
Have you spotted anything unusual around Gnosall recently? We'd love to hear your stories. Email the Love Gnosall team or send us a message through our Facebook page.
Photo: Chris Carter enjoys his meal at The Horns Inn with Kelly, his royal python, proving that not every pub companion has four legs!
