RESIDENTS in Worcestershire are being urged not to build bonfires until the day they are due to be lit in a bid to protect hedgehogs from death and "horrific suffering".

Worried animal campaigners say scores of hedgehogs and other wildlife are killed every year in the county because they crawl into bonfires that are lit by unsuspecting residents.

The plea for people to be vigilant has come from the British Hedgehog Preservation Society ahead of preparations to celebrate Bonfire Night on Friday, November 5.

"As bonfire night falls on a Friday this year many people will build their bonfires the previous weekend," said Kay Bullen, a Worcestershire spokeswoman for the society.

"We would emphasise that bonfires should not be built until the day they are to be lit.

"This will not only save wildlife from burning to death and horrific suffering, but will also stop the bonfire from getting soaked should it rain the night before.

"If material is stored on open ground in advance of having a bonfire, it's crucial to dismantle it and move it to another spot just before lighting it.

"Ensure it's moved to clear ground - never on top of a pile of leaves as there could be a hedgehog underneath and also not too close to pampas grass which can ignite very easily and is another favourite spot for hedgehogs to hide."

She said that if large bonfires have to be built in advance, chicken wire should be put up around it, about a metre in height and outwards at an angle to make it difficult for hedgehogs to climb up it.

"If, while building a bonfire, it is left unattended, for however short a time, it's imperative to check for young children, hedgehogs and other animals, including family pets, before lighting," she added.

"If hedgehogs are found, take as much of the nest as you can and place them in a high-sided cardboard box with plenty of newspaper or old towelling.

"Ensure there are air holes in the lid and that it is secured firmly to the box, as hedgehogs are great climbers.

"Put the box in a safe place such as a shed or garage, well away from the festivities as fireworks terrify them.

"Once the bonfire is totally dampened down, release the hedgehog under a hedge, bush or behind a stack of logs."