LES BISHOP from Grimsby couldn’t believe his eyes when he visited M&D’s Theme Park with his family while on holiday in Scotland.

While looking around the animals and reptiles in Amazonia, in Strathclyde Park, he came face to face with Eric the Python.  

The former RAF policeman instantly recognised Eric who was the 14th Squadron’s mascot at RAF Bruggan in Germany where Les served back in 1986.

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Eric was kept in a glass cabinet in the Wing Commander’s office but on the odd occasion he was ‘left out’ providing a chance opportunity to wind up newly-arrived RAF policemen.

Les, originally from East Kilbride, posted a note on Facebook to his former colleagues in Bruggan to let them know of the chance encounter.

He said: “It was great to see that after all these years Eric is still with us and being cared for after retiring from his military service.   

“There’s been lots of comments on the Facebook page from well wishers around the world asking after Eric.

Glasgow Times:

“It brought back great memories of fun times with colleagues who came face to face with Eric the legend.”

Jensen Taylor Connelly, of M&D’s, said: “Eric has always been a family favourite at Amazonia because of his intriguing history and we’re so lucky to have so much information about his life and times in the RAF.

“It’s so true what they say about it being a small world and we’re really grateful for Les taking the time to let us know about Eric’s adventures. He really is a true legend.”