VOLUNTEERS in Bromsgrove are being sought after to care for sick, injured or orphaned hedgehogs.

The British Hedgehog Preservation Society, a registered charity, holds a national list of people and groups who take in hedgehogs and are concerned that the contact list in Worcestershire is low.

Nearly a quarter of hedgehogs die before leaving their nest with probably half of the rest not surviving their first hibernation.

The BHPS is looking for dedicated carers who are able to take poorly hedgehogs and hopefully restore them back to full health.

Although some centres take up to 3,000 hedgehogs a year, spokeswoman for the BHPS Fay Vass said becoming a carer can be "as time consuming as you want it to be. Some people take in one or two a year, help them through hibernation and then release them in spring".

Bonfire Night is another worry for the BHPS. Unfortunately our prickly friends find piles of wood and leaves very attractive, providing ideal nesting sites.

Fay said: "Bonfires need checking thoroughly, up to three feet from the ground before they are lit."

Any hedgehogs that are found should be moved to somewhere dry and safe.

If you are seriously considering becoming a hedgehog carer and would like to be placed on the British Hedgehog Preservation Society's contact list, then an information pack is available by simply calling 01584 890 801.