John Terry is used to dealing with slippery customers on the football field but may have got more than he bargained for when agreeing to open a Surbiton snake shop.

The England Captain will cut the ribbon to mark the grand opening of Reptile Kingdom, in Ewell Road, later this month as a favour to owner Terry Clark.

Mr Clark, 33, from Ealing, who knows the footballer through a mutual friend, says he is grateful for the celebrity endorsement but is still planning a surprise for the Chelsea superstar.

He said: "I am pretty sure we can get him to handle one of our Royal Pythons. He is a big strong lad so I am sure he won’t be scared.

"Hopefully he will bring his kids along so we can show him how friendly our reptiles are.

"We plan to show them some of our more exotic pets and snakes and as long as mum and dad agree perhaps get them to take one home."

Mr Clark, who opened the shop with fellow reptile enthusiast Ryan Dunbar, is hoping to change public perception of snakes.

He said: "Snakes get a bad rap but if you choose the right pet for your experience level then there is nothing to be scared of.

"The beginner level snakes are very friendly, very good with kids and actually make wonderful family pets."

Reptile Kingdom will open on October 12 with the Grand official opening, featuring face painting and a raffle, on the October 24 starting at 2pm.

For more information call Terry Clark on 020 3551 8958.