GRIMSBY TELEGRAPH (UK) 19 December 06 Intrepid Sparky Takes On Snake Tank Challenge (Daniel Evans)
A Brave electrician has proved he is not as "yellow" as these giant snakes.
Through the Grimsby Telegraph, Booths exotic pet shop appealed for a plucky sparky to climb into a tank of pythons and boa constrictors to fix their light.And it was electrician Jamie Bowen, of GRS Electrical Services in Louth, who came to the rescue.
The 24-year-old Grimsby rugby player used to buy food for his lizards from the exotic pet shop at 261 Heneage Road.
So he was partly prepared for the reptiles' company as he got to work. But, in his seven years as an electrician, Jamie had never done a job quite like this.
"I did get a bit scared to be honest," he said. "One of them was staring and started licking its lips at me.
"Obviously, I'm a bit of a tasty snack. It was only a starter motor that needed fixing and it was a five minute job.
"John had put them all out of the way so I could do the work, but they could still see me."
Owner John Booth is delighted someone finally took up the challenge after he called about 20 electricians, with no joy.
And since the Telegraph appeal John only heard from five willing companies.
"There doesn't seem to be too many electricians willing to go in and risk all with the snakes," he chuckled.
After the job was over Jamie got to hold the snakes.
"They were a lot more friendly than people might think," he added. "They're harmless really.
"I'm not surprised John couldn't find anyone to do the job because a lot of people are scared of snakes."
After his unusual day's work, the electrician of the Northgate company, admits he was glad to get home safely to girlfriend Clair Pearson (27), who he shares a house with on Brock Close, Scartho Top.
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