A PYTHON made an appearance at an open morning at Okehampton Medical Centre, coinciding with the centre’s first flu clinic.

The fundraiser, organised by Okehampton Patient Participation Group (PPG), raised just over £100 towards buying another ECG (electrocardiogram) machine for the Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) at the practice.

The five-foot python, and a tarantula, were invited along with their keeper Andy Stapley.

‘We thought it would be something a bit different, as there were children coming along,’ said Jan Goffey, chair of the PPG. ‘The kids were absolutely fascinated, although some of the older people weren’t quite so keen! We put him in the darkest room.’

‘We’d like to say thanks to Andy Stapley for bringing his creatures along. The PPG raised just over £100 towards buying another ECG machine specifically for the MIU unit and we thank everyone who helped and everyone who came and supported us.’

Picture by James Bird