A MADAGASCAN hissing cockroach that was found in a cashier’s trousers has been given a home at Chester Zoo.

Staff arrived last week to collect the two-inch creature from Dave Spruce’s house in Tatton Park.

An expert said the creepy-crawly - found after a visit to the zoo – seemed to have been well looked after.

“We just kept it in the kitchen where it was warm and I fed it little pieces of fruit and vegetables,” said Mr Spruce, 59.

“But they can survive a nuclear blast, so a week here isn’t going to harm it.”

Last week the Guardian told how Mr Spruce had found the Madagascan hisser in his trouser pocket after visiting Chester Zoo with his wife Janet and 12-year-old son James.

He tossed the bug into his garden, but later collected it in a container and contacted Chester Zoo.

Staff there could not confirm if the cockroach had escaped from their twilight exhibit, where the family spent several minutes, but offered to re-home it.

Two staff arrived less than a day later to collect the wingless insect from Mr Spruce’s house at the Rostherne entrance to Tatton Park.

“There was a woman and a keeper with a tank,” said Mr Spruce, who named the cockroach Henrietta.

“They just put it in there and thanked me for looking after it.” This week Chester Zoo was unavailable to comment. But the story of the cockroach has featured in at least one national paper and on radio.

Town House TV, which produces chat show host Trisha Goddard’s daytime television programmes, is also interested in the tale.

Mr Spruce got a letter from the company on Monday.

“They want me to get in touch with them,” he said.

The Madagascan hisser is found on the island off the African coast. It is one of the largest species of cockroach, but it is not dangerous and can be kept as a pet.

The species creates a hissing sound by forcing air through breathing pores and has featured in several films including Men in Black.

“Apparently film-makers choose that type because they’re a bit more docile,” said Mr Spruce.