ANOTHER Covid snake is on the loose in Colchester.
Fear not, however.
Unlike the deadly virus that inspired it, this particular slippery character poses no harm whatsoever.
Instead, it is a striking, colourful reminder of the historic significance of the last year.
Sidney the snake was started by Debbie Hardy during the first lockdown and housed outside Layer Primary School.
She began with his striking green head and, within weeks, he had grown to a considerable length, with adults and children adding an array of beautifully-painted stones.
By the autumn, it was clear stones were beginning to disappear so kind-hearted villagers conjured up a plan to move Sidney and immortalise him in concrete in Layer de la Haye's memorial garden, at The Cross.
The project stemmed from an idea by Secret Layer, a Facebook page run by Sue Bennett and Laura Wade.
"We contacted Debbie and asked if we could remove the snake and immortalise him in concrete as an everlasting memory," said Mrs Bennett.
"Debbie was happy for us to do this so we collected the stones and cleaned them.
"Unfortunately, many of the stones hadn’t survived the weather and so we varnished those that still showed their paintwork and began to wonder where we could place Sidney.
"Layer Parish Council then came up with an idea as they were preparing a memorial garden at The Cross and wanted to add Sidney.
"A concrete area was prepared and that's where he now lives.
"We're very proud of him and are currently preparing a plaque to act as a reminder of the pandemic, now and for the future."
The Secret Layer Facebook page provides information for the village and surrounding area and has been a lifeline for some during lockdown, giving people a place to post photos and ask questions.
READ MORE:
School's Covid rock snake is a reminder of moment in hiss-tory
Jump in a puddle and help raise a million pounds for the fight against cancer
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here