Snake identification

[Lonnie]

I live in Essex, and have just come accross what I believe to be a snake, but can't ID it.
In my garden.

Very thin, approx 8 to 12 inches long, pale pinkish in coulour, black stripes along the side, small head.

I got a good look at it, as it was stationary at the time, on the path, possibly basking, (wish i'd taken a photo), but I touched its tail, and it moved with such speed I jumped back, and it disappeared into the shrubs.

Would anyone have any idea on this one?.

many thank.

[yogasun]

Any help?

http://images.google.co.uk/images?hl=en&rls=GG LD,GGLD:2006-28,GGLD:en&q=British+snake+pictur es&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&re snum=1&ct=title

3 snakes in UK

[burnhal]

your description doesnt really fit any of our three native snakes- the grass snake, smooth snake or the adder. Google them to satisfy yourself. If anything it sounds more like a slow worm. They vary in colour from brownish, greyish through pinkish and the female often has a black stripe- but along the back rather than the side. Google slow worm and have a look-see at the pics.
I would think the slow-worm is most likely but if none of these you possibly have an escapee from someones house! You might want to google common garter snake

[Lonnie]

yogasun and burnal,

Thanks for coming back on this, I had googled before I posted, as for a Slow Worm, its what I thought, until I got a close look, i've seen and handled them, for years, and know them, its the stripes and speed of the thing that got me, no Slow Worm can move that fast.

But thanks for your time.

[cruella]

Hi Lonnie,
Sorry I cannot help you with indentifying the snake, but just wanted to say "Hi" and hugs for that special girl.
Have not seen you around for a while.
When do you and your Wife take that special weekend away?
Happy Anniversary when it comes, and have a lovely time, both of you. xx

[Lonnie]

Thanks Cruella, that means a lot, your magic.

I'll certainly give her a hug from you, with pleasure.

At the present though, we'er having a lot of trouble with the Social Services, and now have our MP involved,

The reason i've not been on so much, a combination of things, Dia is a lot more active than she was, i've gone back to playing league Table Tennis, (needed to get out), and coupled with work, doesn't give ne too much time.

End of November is the time, our Anniverary is the 30th, so we'er going to the Ritz on the 29th, and on the 30th, before coming home in the evening, something special in London during the day.

I'll post to say how it all went.

ps
My wife just read your post, she says thanks, and sends you her best wishes.

[cruella]

Lonnie,
Glad that you have taken up table tennis again. Good for you!
I knew that you and your Wife were going away to an upmarket hotel for your anniversary. I had it in my mind it was this month.
Sorry you are having problems with SS again.
Lonnie, keep plugging away at your MP.
Write to your Director of Social Services if need be. Hope all things work out for you and your family.
Anyway, have a wonderful time, both of you. You both deserve it. xx Keep me updated. Anne xx

[SickThings]

The name 'slow worm' can be misleading. They are not always slow!