A STONE snake has slithered across a busy road – with the help of some kind-hearted volunteers.

The Pans Snake has stretched from the eastern edge of Prestonpans towards neighbouring Cockenzie and Port Seton since it was born at the beginning of April.

However, with plans for a temporary cycle path to be created beside busy Edinburgh Road, the snake had to find a new home... on the other side of the road.

Emma Orphant was among those spending 50 minutes on Sunday evening moving the snake from the north side of the road.

She said: “We lost count of the number of stones at 1,400!

“We moved them across the road because the council are putting in a temporary cycle path.

“On Sunday, volunteers and children moved them across the road.

“It has just been a nice thing for people when they are out for a walk to look for.

“It is for the kids.”

Youngsters and adults started working on the Pans Snake at the beginning of April, with lockdown restrictions in effect.

Similar schemes have taken place elsewhere across the country, including the Windygoul Worm in Tranent.

The snake started at the bus stop beside the Greenhills at Prestonpans, with Emma, who is depute manager at Seahorse Nursery in Cockenzie, keen to see it stretch the near half-mile to the neighbouring village.

Emma, who lives in Prestonpans, was pleased to say that the snake had been a success and admitted she had a few favourite stones.

She picked out those from youngsters saying they were missing school or with messages including their name and teacher’s name from school as her favourites.

Beyond the coronavirus, Emma – and a number of people on social media – was keen to see the snake find a permanent home, with the possibility of the stones being cemented into the wall beside the footpath.