A Brit had the fright of his life when he returned from Mexico - and found a tarantula in his jeans.

James Mugridge, 31, discovered the 12cm-long creature - thought to be a Mexican red rump - after spending two weeks in jungle hotels.

The spider - also known as a Tliltocatl vagans - is known to be docile and its bite is not considered overly dangerous to people.

But James didn't know that - and says he shouted when he saw furry legs emerging from his jeans.

Peeling back the fold with chopsticks, he discovered the tarantula was already dead - believed to have frozen in the plane's hold.

James, from Exeter, Devon, said: "For a split second I thought it was alive - I let out a yelp!"

The business consultant flew to Cancun on April 15 for a two-week holiday with his girlfriend Emma Forrester, 27.

The couple hired a car and drove down the coast to Tulum, staying in jungle-style hotels.

They saw several tarantulas along the way, including the Mexican red rump - with one deciding to hitch a ride back to the UK.

James said: "I think it was in [the jeans] for a couple days at least."

"We're lucky because the bag was supposed to come in the cabin. But there was not enough space, so they put it in the hold."

"Subsequently, the tarantula froze to death, but in the cabin I fear it would have been alive and kicking."

"The sting on it is said to be worse than a bee sting, but its not fatal. "

"That being said, I was absolutely terrified when I saw the little thing had made its way into my jeans. It really was the last thing I was expecting."