A former junior pilot was stunned when he came face-to-face with a 16.5-foot snake.

Don Ritch, who was stationed in Germany in the 1990s, was responsible for looking after Eric the snake while he was on the 14 (Tornado) Squadron at Bruggen.

Eric lived in a heated glass cabinet by the crew room at the RAF base.

On a recent visit to Amazonia at M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park, Don was able to confirm that Eric, who was believed to be a Burmese Python, was in fact an Indian Rock Python and at 38 years old could be the oldest snake in captivity of this type in the world.

Mr Ritch, who now lives near Brighton, said: "I was recently in Bothwell and was looking online to see what the Crusaders were up to when I came across the mention of Eric.

"I decided to call into Amazonia one afternoon and see if it was the same Eric and if he was still there.

"I honestly couldn’t believe it.

"As the junior pilot it was my job to clean his cabinet, feed him and generally care for him between April 1990 and October 1992.

"I have fond memories of Eric, particularly on the odd occasion when he would escape into the crew room.

"We used to take him out and about to events.

"Everyone loved him and it’s great to see he’s been well looked after."

Records show that 14 Squadron had a python as a mascot as far back as 1961.

The original snake called Fred died in 1963.

In October 1985 a tiger python was posted to the Squadron and called Eric, full name Eric Courtney Aldrovandi.

However, his tenure was short-lived and he left after three months.

On March 24, 1986, his successor, the current Eric, arrived as Flight Lieutenant Aldrovandi.

During his first two years, Eric grew to nine feet and weighed just under a stone and was given a fully heated office originally in the history room.

On January 1, 1992, Eric grew in stature and was promoted to Squadron Leader and stretched to 14 feet.

In 2011 Eric requested permission to retire and relocated to Longleat in Wiltshire before making his way to Lossiemouth and finally to M&D’s in Strathclyde Country Park.

Amanda Gott, zoo manager at Amazonia, said: "Eric is one of our favourite attractions however, you can only tell his exact breed by a slight difference near his eyes, so we were never sure of the accuracy of his breed.

"Aged 38 however, we believe he is the oldest snake of his kind in captivity in the world as most live to around 28.

"We would love to hear from any breeders who are aware of an older Indian Rock Python."

Amazonia is a temperature controlled tropical indoor forest and home to over 60 species and a 'unique place for fun and learning where the whole family can marvel at monkeys, parrots, snakes, frogs, tarantulas and much more'.