Hedgehog rescuer 'very emotional' as she retires

About 60 of the hedgehogs are set to be released

A woman who runs a wildlife rescue centre from her home is "very emotional" after retiring from the role.

Sue Smith, from Retford, Nottinghamshire, will close her sanctuary, 7th Heaven Hedgehog Rescue, this year.

Last year, she had a record number of 76 hedgehogs to care for, with about 60 expected to be released back into the wild in the coming weeks.

The 73-year-old said worries over flooding in the area meant she could not take in any more animals.

Sue Smith said she was "very emotional" at the prospect of retiring

"Every time it rains we worry about flooding down here," she said.

"I just feel that I'm taking them in off the street because they're ill, and I'm bringing them into an environment where I really can't guarantee that I'm going to be keeping them safe.

"It's just so stressful."

Hedgehogs can live for up to 10 years, but in the wild more than half die within their first year with an average life expectancy of two to three years.

Ms Smith said she would still need to look after 14 of the hedgehogs currently staying with her "because they're disabled or they're suffering from the effects of old age".

She said she worried about where the animals - some of whom were babies who had to be hand-reared - would be taken to instead of her home.

"I volunteer at a social club for people who have got dementia, I sing three times a week and I have a craft evening once a week so I'm very busy," she said.

"It's very emotional, I've had about a fortnight of crying."