A celebrity snake is to appear at Odsal stadium to meet fans before the Bradford Bulls game tomorrow.

Ethel, the 15ft long Reticulated Python, shot to local fame after an article about her being spotted in a Bradford park appeared in the Telegraph & Argus.

Ethel’s owner, Bilal Israil, of Riddlesden, said that Ethel was a ‘lovely’ snake with a placid temperament.

Bradford Bulls Rugby League Club got in touch with Mr Israil to invite him and Ethel to the match which takes place this weekend.

Mr Israil said he was honoured to be invited to the stadium with Ethel.

He said: “When I got the call asking me to bring Ethel as a mascot for the Bradford Bulls for the day, it really took me by surprise.

“I honoured the invite with both hands to be there for such an important occasion.

“It’s a big event for Bradford itself with promotion on the line and maybe Ethel can be the good luck charm we need on Sunday.”

Mr Israil added: “It helps to know that snakes are deaf, so she won’t be intimidated with any noise.

“I have faith that she will be her calm self as she always is.”

Russ MacFarlane, operations manager for Bradford Bulls, said: “Ethel will be our lucky charm. The snake caught our interest through the T&A.

“She will be visiting the family zone where the kids are and we will also bring Ethel onto the pitch before the game.”

Damian Irvine, Commercial Director, said: “This is our biggest game of the year. Ethel is a beautiful animal and will be an amazing attraction in our famous stadium for our supporters and travelling fans.

“We hold interesting events to supplement the day for families, not just for fun but for education purposes too.”

The outing to the stadium will be the third time that Mr Israil, who was a snake breeder for 12 years, has taken his pet python out for a slither.

Ethel’s first visit was to Hyde park in Leeds, with her second outing being at Roberts Park in Saltaire, where she was spotted by several onlookers, some of whom had approached Mr Israil to ask about what she ate and what breed of snake she was.

When approached by the T&A, Mr Israil had commented that people should give snakes a chance, even if their initial reaction at seeing one is one of shock. He also owns another female python who he says is not as calm when out in public.

At home in Keighley, Mr Israil lets Ethel out into the garden when she is not in her enclosure.

Ethel was seen pictured with children.

Bradford Bulls are in first position in League 1 currently. A win against York, who are in second place with two points behind, will give the Bulls a chance to be automatically promoted to the Championship league.

Ehtel will appear in the family zone at Odsal stadium at 1.30pm, and will be on the pitch at around 2.15pm, ahead of the 3pm start to the match on Sunday July 22.