A warning has been issued about the risks that hedgehogs face during the bonfire season.

With November 5 fast approaching, the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) is urging people to take care when planning their bonfire celebrations.

Fay Vass, chief executive of BHPS, said: "Bonfire and firework season is one of the most dangerous times of the year for wild hedgehogs.

"We’re asking people to take a moment to #RememberHedgehogs and consider how our actions can harm the wildlife living in our neighbourhoods.

"A bonfire pile looks like an inviting readymade home to a hedgehog seeking a warm winter nest to hibernate in.

"They don’t know we plan to set fire to it."

The BHPS is urging people to stop, move, and check before lighting a bonfire.

The 'stop' step asks people to consider whether a bonfire is necessary, and if attending a community event or celebrating in a more wildlife-friendly way would suffice.

'Move' calls for piles of accumulated materials to be shifted to a new site on the day of the bonfire, to ensure no wildlife is hiding inside.

The last step, 'check', involves carefully inspecting the entire bonfire pile for wildlife and pets before lighting.

The BHPS suggests using a torch and gently lifting each section with a pole or broom, as spades or forks can cause harm.

Ms Vass added: "It’s vital to remember hedgehogs at this time of year and to give them the best possible chance to escape the danger of a lit bonfire that they’ve mistaken for a safe haven."

If a hedgehog is found in a bonfire heap, the BHPS advises gathering it up with its nest, placing it in a high-sided cardboard box with air holes, and offering it some meaty cat or dog food and water.

The hedgehog should be released back into the wild once the bonfire embers are completely extinguished.