SCHOOLS wanting to know more about hedgehogs are invited to take part in a competition organised by Burnley Rangers.

Tips on how to look after the prickly creatures are being offered by Burnley ranger Kevan Talbot in advance of Hedgehog Awareness Week - with the most important advice being do not feed them milk.

The week, starting May 4, has been organised to raise the profile of hedgehogs and make people more aware on how to care for them properly.

Kevan runs Burnley's St Peter's Hedgehog Nursery which has organised the competition in partnership with Rochdale Hedgehog Rescue, between them, the two groups treat 260 hedgehogs yearly.

The competition is open to all primary schools in Burnley and Rochdale who are being asked to collect non-fish tins of dog and cat food to feed hedgehogs. The school collecting the most will receive a free visit and illustrated talk by a ranger - they will also get to meet a hedgehog and the overall winner will win a piece of PenDelfin pottery.

On May 5 and May 9, Rangers will be at Burnley's Asda supermarket giving away information on how to protect hedgehogs and how they live in the wild. Anyone donating a tin of dog or cat food will be entered into a free prize draw.

On May 7 the ranger service will stage a slide show and talk in Thompson Park at 7.15pm and there could also be a short walk to look at hedgehogs in their natural habitat. To book contact 01282 8310534.

Kevan said if anyone finds a hedgehog in trouble during the day they should contact the rescue centre on 01706 860904.

Anyone who can help either with food or towels and cotton sheets or any school wishing to enter the competition should call 01282 459682.

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