A NINE foot long Burmese python was the star of the show at a vets' open day.

Wrapped around 22-year-old Lauren Danbury's neck, Sunni the snake was just one of the many creatures great and small to be part of Hilltop Vets' event on Saturday.

Miss Danbury said the four-year-old snake had drawn in quite the crowd at the centre in Hinksey Heights.

The barista said: "Snakes are extremely misunderstood and they get a lot of bad press.

"We like to show that Sunni is a really lovely animal and the only time snakes would start to constrict would be if they felt they were in danger.

"We had lots of people come over to us, some were quite nervous at first.

"But I hope we showed that they are a great, harmless pet to have."

As well as Sunni the event also had a bouncy castle, face painting and a dog obedience display all in an effort to raise money for various animal charities –with £325 brought in by the end of the day.

Even specialist surgeon Hannes Bergmann got in on the action as he pretended to operate on teddy bears.

The veterinary centre, owned by vet Julie Hutton and veterinary nurse Anna Currell, has only been in business for two months.

But Mrs Hutton said about 200 people came down to look at the new surgery.

She said: "It was really lovely and it was our official opening.

"We were delighted with the amount of people that came down to have a look at our surgery.

"Even our camera-shy surgeon was persuaded to pose for some pictures so I think everybody had a really good time.

"Anna and I have a shared dream of providing gold standard clinical care with an emphasis on lifestyle and well being and we hope our surgery will live up to it."

Charity stands were also at the event for Cats Protection and 1 Dog at a Time Rescue.

Mrs Currell added: "Julie and I were overwhelmed and overjoyed by the support we received for our open day.

"We have worked hard to create a facility to serve Oxfordshire's pets based on compassion, trust and clinical excellence.

"We are very excited about our new venture and working hard to establish relationships with animal charities and Oxford pet owners."

For more information about Hilltop Vets visit hilltopvets.co.uk