Charna Tomlinson loves playing with Tracey

A Sheffield family has been reunited with its 11 feet long pet python.

Paul Tomlinson, 34, said he was "overjoyed" to have found Tracey the Burmese python safe and well.

Tracey, who is named after Mr Tomlinson's wife, had not eaten for two weeks when she escaped from her glass tank at the family's home on Sunday.

She was found shortly before 1500 BST on Wednesday curled up in nearby allotments.

'Bit grumpy'

Mr Tomlinson, who lives with his wife and three children in Wincobank Lane, Grimesthorp, joined forces with police to mount a search for the runaway python, warning she could pose a threat to animals and small children.

"She has still not been fed so I'm going to give her a couple of rabbits," Mr Tomlinson said.

"She is a little bit upset and a little bit grumpy, hissing and struggling, so I'm going to give her a good feed."

Tracey went missing in similar circumstances a year ago.

Following her latest bid for freedom Mr Tomlinson said he would step up the security on Tracey's tank.

"I want to make sure this never happens again," he said