NIFTY knitters are being sought to help raise funds for a wildlife rescue centre near Selby.

The Barlby-based Wildlife Rescue and Hedgehog Hospital is appealing to anyone who loves to knit to help it raise money by knitting hedgehogs to sell.

By selling these tinsel hedgehogs, it hopes to raise much needed funds to feed, house and care for dozens of young, underweight hedgehogs this winter.

So far this year it has had double the admissions from 2016 and the Hedgehog Hospital is "full to bursting", Annette Pyrah, who runs the rescue centre said.

She explained: "Hedgehogs have a second litter of babies in autumn and many of these juveniles do not have sufficient fat reserves to survive hibernation. They are often seen wandering around in daylight and picked up by members of the public. The babies arrive at our Rescue in droves throughout autumn and some stay with us for up to six months which can be a huge drain on our resources.

"This year we have been so busy caring for large numbers of wildlife orphans that we have only been able to do one fundraiser instead of around six which brings in much needed funds. We desperately need nifty knitters on board.”

The Hedgehog Hospital will provide all wool, materials and pattern.

If you would like to help, phone Annette on 07711 883072 or email wildlifeorphan1@aol.com.