KIND-hearted animal-lovers are being urged to look out for hungry hedgehogs foraging for food in their gardens.

The British Hedgehog Preservation Society wants Worcestershire people to put out bowls of left-over turkey, or tinned cat or dog food to help the spiky creatures survive the cold weather.

The charity's experts also want readers to make sure the small mammals also have a bowl of clean water to drink.

"Hedgehogs don't end their hibernation until the warmer weather in spring," said a spokesman for the Shropshire-based society.

"But you may well see one bumbling around at this time of year,"

"They often wake and forage for food, even when it's snowing. If you do see a hedgehog, please spare it some food.

"It'll help your local hedgehog add a few more vital ounces, and you'll be rewarded in spring when it polishes off the slugs heading for your lettuce seedlings."