Giant Cobra on the loose - snaking its way round Mansfield primary school

Covid the Cobra, is snaking its way round the Oak Tree Primary School and Nursery bringing smiles to all who pass.

The stone snake, which starts at the entrance by the nursery, has been made by children and adults from more than 400 brightly coloured pebbles and stones.

Eight-year old Oak Tree pupil Charli Buck and her mum Donna, inspired by friend Adele Spencer, had the the idea to do something fun to mark the children going back to school after the easing of lockdown measures.

Donna, who is a mum of three and has six grandchildren, said: "We wanted to do something really fun, to cheer people in the community and bring a smile to their faces.

"We started out with about 30 rocks on the Sunday afternoon, all the family got involved and we thought it would be a nice way to cheer the kids up as they pass it on their way back into to school, it was something uplifting after all the difficult times of the Covid 19.

"It was something everyone could get involved, and it carried a message of kindness through the community.

But by teatime on Sunday, vandals had struck removing the stones and scattering them.

“It was devastating, and I was absolutely fuming that they had tried to spoil it,” said Donna.

"What came out of that was very quickly, the whole community pulled together to rebuild the cobra again and the snake is now getting bigger and bigger – and it still needs feeding!

"It has proven to be a really positive activity for everyone to get involved with, and the children, and even the adults, all love painting the stones, with paints and glitter and pens."

The colourful rocks feature everything from ladybirds, to rainbows, NHS and keyworker support messages, to happy smiles and flowers.

Donna added "It is fantastic and if anyone wants to it add they are very welcome!”

It is hoped the snake might eventually find a permanent home in the school gardens.