A COUPLE enjoying the sunshine in their garden got “the shock of their life” when they spotted a potentially deadly adder by their fish pond.

Rod and Miranda Leate, of Mede Way, Wivenhoe, spotted the big snake in a tree.

Mrs Leate said: “We were both surprised to see it and more than anything we were worried about our other animals, as we have chickens, cats and a puppy. But we wanted to make sure no harm came to the snake, too.

“We thought straight away it looked like an adder and we have checked a few websites since, and are pretty sure it was. It was a real shock. You don’t expect to find one in your own back garden.” Rosey Catford, from Wildlives Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, said: “Adders are an endangered species and there are only a few hundred sightings of them each year.

“They really are struggling with new developments, houses and supermarkets being built.

“Like so many other animals, they are getting displaced and are having to move to other territories.

“It sounds like the snake may have been injured because it is really very rare to see them – usually they slither away pretty quickly.”

Anyone who spots an adder can call the RSPCA or Wildlives on 01206 251174