Peter Mills and fiancee Charlie Wren were in Oxford High Street on Saturday with corn snakes Mushu and Felkor, and Royal python Medusa.

The couple, from Cowley Road, took the snakes out so they could enjoy the sunshine.

READ MORE: Large snake videoed slithering in Oxfordshire town

People walking past were visibly shocked and one cyclist started swearing when he saw the snakes.

Mr Mills, 24, said he lived in a one-bedroom flat off Cowley Road with 15 snakes.

Girlfriend Charlie, 23, from Witney, helps him to look after them.

While looking after snakes is a full-time job for Mr Mills, Ms Wren also works as a canine hydrotherapist – using water-based exercises to improve dogs’ mobility, strength, and recovery from injury.

Mr Mills said: “The snakes have been getting lots of attention – we take them out when it’s warm enough – they enjoy the sunshine.

“Some people are shocked and we have been getting lots of comments but these snakes are not poisonous.”

Peter Mills and Charlie Wren with their snakes (Image: Andy Ffrench)

Mr Mills said he got his first snake aged 16 after working with reptiles at Abingdon and Witney College.

He added: “I know 15 snakes is a lot. I rent a one-bedroom flat and the landlord’s fine with it. I had to sign some paperwork.

“For us, this is a bit like taking your dog for a walk – these snakes are our pets and they are getting some Vitamin D.

“People love their cats and dogs and we love our snakes. Snakes don’t return your affection like cats and dogs do.

“They tolerate us and trust that we will feed them.”

Mr Mills also has a cat called Inazuma – which means lightning in Japanese.

Royal pythons are also known as ball pythons and are non-venomous. They are constrictors that kill prey by wrapping their bodies around it, rather than using venom.

Peter Mills and Charlie Wren with their snakes (Image: Andy Ffrench)

In September, a non-venomous grass snake was spotted in Banbury.

There has been an increase in snake sightings over the past couple of years, especially in the summer when the weather is hotter.

RSPCA data revealed there was a total of 383 cases reported from July to September in 2024, an 18 per cent increase from the 323 during the same period in 2023.

Last summer, a “six-foot python” was spotted in the grass at Port Meadow in Oxford.

The reptile was seen moving through the Donnington area of the city and its owner was spotted holding the snake in a bathing area at the beauty spot.

John Kibugi was travelling near Welford, Newbury when he was clocked at 53mph.

The 60-year-old, of Somerset Road, New Barnet, was on the eastbound carriageway at the time of the incident on June 6, 2024.

He was also caught speeding at 50mph on the same stretch of road on August 9, 2024.

Kibugi was found guilty of two counts of exceeding a temporary speed restriction at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court on March 9. 

The court heard how there has been a 40mph speed restriction in place at the time of both incidents due to roadworks.

Kibugi was banned from driving for 12 months and received three penalty points. 

He was also ordered to pay a £220 fine, £85 court costs and an £88 surcharge. 

The money must be paid in full by April 27 at the latest. 

Gentleman’s Relish is a traditional, salty and savoury Victorian-era spread made from anchovies, butter, herbs, and spices, typically used on toast or to elevate meats.

It was first created in 1828 and later marketed to the public in 1849 when it was launched at the Paris Food Show.

However, now it is set to disappear from shelves altogether, but fans of the condiment have issued a rallying cry to keep it around.

Gentleman’s Relish axed after 177 years as petition launched to save it

The parent company of the food, AB World Foods, has revealed that it has ceased production of the beloved English spread, The Spectator reports.

A spokesman for AB World Foods said: “We can confirm that after some 20 years as custodian of the Gentleman’s Relish brand, we are no longer making Patum Peperium.

“While we recognise that this Victorian relish has a niche and loyal following, it sadly does not have wider commercial appeal and, despite our best efforts, retailer distribution has dwindled.

“With Gentleman’s Relish no longer commercially viable and unable to secure a buyer for the brand, we regrettably stopped production earlier this year.”

When English grocer John Osborn created the spread, he described it as a ‘quintessentially English delicacy’.

It became a staple British food, with James Bond author Ian Fleming a particular fan of the condiment.

Gentleman’s Relish has been discontinued but may be being brought back after public outcry (Image: Getty Images)

Celebrity chef, Nigella Lawson, also previously ranked Gentlemen’s Relish in her top 10 British cooking staples in 2018.

Following the news, a petition was launched, titled ‘Reverse the decision to discontinue The Gentleman’s Relish’.

It has nearly been signed 1,000 times, with other fans of the spread taking to social media to ask for its return.

It said: “The decision to stop producing The Gentleman’s Relish affects not just those of us who love it, but the cultural tapestry of British cuisine.

“AB World Foods, we urge you to reconsider this decision.

“At the very least, selling the brand to another food company or individual willing to continue its production is a viable solution.

“Let’s preserve this unique element of our culinary heritage.”

AB World Foods ‘in early discussions’ to reverse decision to axe Gentleman’s Relish

Following the outcry, the decision to discontinue Gentleman’s Relish may yet be reversed.

AB World Foods has now said it may still be “taking the brand forward”, The Telegraph reports.

Recommended reading:

A spokesman said: “We have been blown away by the response from Gentleman’s Relish fans since we confirmed our decision to stop production.

“We are grateful to everyone who has taken the time to get in touch.

“Given this strength of feeling, we are pleased to say that we are at the early stages of exploring options with several third parties who have expressed an interest in taking the brand forward.”

Are you a fan of Gentleman’s Relish? Let us know in the comments.