NINE hedgehogs have started 1999 in new homes, thanks to an appeal made through the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

Hedgehog rescuer Helen Adsett, of Blackburn, was seeking people who could provide garden nest boxes for the animals to hibernate.

They had been too small to hibernate in the autumn but by the end of the year they had reached a weight which meant they could be released into the hands of caring people who would provide a weatherproof box and supply them with food until they chose to go to sleep.

Said Helen: "I received two phone calls even before my copy of the paper had been delivered, and the phone never stopped ringing for two days.

"I had 87 calls from people in Blackburn, Accrington, Sabden, Burnley, Nelson, Rawtenstall and Preston, and many already had nest boxes in their gardens.

"Not only have I found ideal homes for nine hedgehogs, but I have been able to compile a register of people who are willing to take hedgehogs which recover from illness and injury during the summer.

"I'm grateful to all the people who offered help, and particularly to the Telegraph which produced such a swift answer to my problem."

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