Hedgehog rescue 'overjoyed' it can stay open

Prickles was founded in 2007 and is run mainly by volunteers

A hedgehog rescue centre, which faced shutting down, says it can continue to operate thanks to £45,000 being donated.

Earlier this month, Prickles Hedgehog Rescue Centre near Cheddar warned it was facing a "financial crisis" due to running costs and the impending closure of its charity shop.

Founder Jules Bishop said the centre only had two months of funding left and set up a fundraiser to raise £25,000, a target that has been exceeded.

"What it means is that we certainly have security up until Christmas and that's incredible," Ms Bishop said.

"We are heading towards our busiest time, and we anticipate 190 hedgehogs coming through our door between now and Christmas."

The centre also intends to develop plans for the future during that time and will be looking for new premises in the area as the Prickles charity shop, which helps fund its work, was due to close next month as the landlord is selling up.

"We had a twist in the tale when we were informed our charity shop sale fell through right at the last minute," Ms Bishop explained.

"What that means is we can stay there until the property is sold again. [It's] very precarious because we don't know how long we can remain there."

The charity, which was started in 2007 and is mainly run by volunteers, costs more than £100,000 a year to run.

"We are absolutely overwhelmed and overjoyed by people's response to what would have been the end of Prickles by the end of September, which would have been absolutely tragic," Ms Bishop said.

"As with all charities, it's hard to keep them running; it's hard to keep the funding coming in.

"I'm really pleased, highly motivated and determined to keep the charity running. Those hedgehogs need us desperately. About 500 hedgehogs come through the door [a year]; they absolutely need us."