A YORK sanctuary is urging residents to help hedgehogs emerging early from hibernation due to the unseasonably mild weather.

Local rescuer, Emma Farley, who has run the Little Silver Hedgehog hospital in Acomb for six years, said: "The warm weather is wonderful, but it means that hedgehogs are emerging several weeks earlier than is normal for this time of year.

"I have already spotted the first prickly visitor of the year in my own garden, but don't usually see them until late March."

She says it is vital to leave out plenty of shallow bowls of water and a feast of kitten or cat biscuits to help them replenish the fat stores lost during hibernation and ensure they are ready for what she calls "the season of romance" ahead.

Emma, who also makes silver jewellery to raise funds for her work, runs a website featuring advice on how to help wild hedgehogs, including how to create a hedgehog-friendly garden and what to do if you find a sick or injured animal at www.littlesilverhedgehog.com

Hedgehogs that were sick prior to hibernation will also wake up poorly and now is the time to be alert for sick and injured animals. They are nocturnal creatures and being out in the daylight is not normal behaviour.

If you spot a hedgehog during the day, it should be contained in a high-sided box and taken straight to a local hedgehog rescue.

Hedgehog numbers have been in sharp decline in recent years and there are now thought to be only around one million left in the UK.

However, recent research suggests that suburban environments, such as York gardens, can help them to thrive.

Many garden activities do pose a threat to our spiky pals, though, with hundreds seriously injured or killed by strimmers, mowers and people forking compost heaps without checking for hedgehogs first.

The creatures may also venture into garden ponds if they cannot find enough water and, without an escape route, they can easily tire and drown.