IT'S not just tourists that have been lured to the Westcountry by the recent warm weather – adders have been emerging early from their hibernation holes to bask in the sunshine.

The only venomous snakes native to Britain, adders are relatively common in rough, open countryside. However, the recent temperatures seem to have tempted them further into the open, giving walkers the opportunity to take some up-close photographs.

Margaret Acke, of Holne on Dartmoor, was out walking with her daughter and three young grandsons near Start Point lighthouse in South Devon when they came across an adder lying by the side of the path.

Mrs Acke said the boys had run on ahead during the walk earlier this month when the youngest, two-year-old Oliver, tripped and fell.

She said: "The eldest boy saw the snake at the side of the road and called out to us walking some way behind. Eventually we caught up and were amazed to see the snake at the base of the wall.

"It hissed and we all stood back and watched."

The snake did not move at all, except to raise its head, she said.

She added that she was surprised to see the snake, as the last time she came across an adder was about 40 years ago in Somerset. And she warned other walkers to watch out for them.

Mick and Juliette Flanagan, from Saltash, were walking near the Bedruthan Steps in Cornwall when they spotted a large adder and were able to take a photograph. Mrs Flanagan, said her husband, who serves with the Royal Marines and has recently returned from Afghanistan, could tell from his training on Woodbury Common that it was a fully grown adder.

A spokesman for Paignton Zoo said it was "a little bit early" to see adders, as normally they would emerge in May. He said these recent sightings could be a result of the warm weather.

Although adders are poisonous, they are not aggressive animals and will only use their venom as a last means of defence, usually if caught or trodden on. With proper treatment, the worst effects of their venom are nausea and drowsiness, followed by severe swelling and bruising in the area of the bite, although in extreme cases, their bite can kill small children and dogs.

The Forestry Commission advises walkers to treat adders, distinguishable from grass snakes by the striking zigzag down their backs, with respect and leave them alone.