No, it's not Henry the escaped Burmese python on the loose again - but another member of the same scaly species.

This handsome Burmese python - just like hungry Henry, who sparked a major alert when he escaped from his Leigh home last week - was one of a number of nasties brought into science lessons at South Essex College.

Students on the BND and GNVQ animal science courses at the Southend college faced the scary creatures during a talk by the Essex Reptile and Amphibian Society.

They got to handle live snakes and hairy spiders such as the Mexican red-kneed spider - capable of giving a painful wound to humans.

Course leader Steve Diack said: "This was a fantastic opportunity for students to get real inside knowledge of these amazing animals.

"As well as fulfilling some of their course requirements, it will give them an improved understanding of why the continued conservation of these species is so important."

Slippery character - students get to grips with the Burmese python

Picture: STEPHEN LLOYD

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