Dewsbury's hedgehog heroine calls for local support after mild winter leaves animals in need of help

Vicky Greenwood cares for 140 hedgehogs in her Dewsbury home

Mild weather and flooding has meant many of the creatures have been unable to hibernate, and as a result have been spotted in daylight hours by concerned members of the public who brought them to Vicky Greenwood's Oggles Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre.

Now 140 hedgehogs are living in Vicky's home on Scarr End Lane, Dewsbury Moor, around 50 more than would be staying at the sanctuary during a normal winter.

With their food and medication costs rising to more than Â£100 per week, Vicky's friend and supporter Philippa Carr has organised a fundraising quiz and is appealing for local businesses to donate prizes.

The hedgehogs often need care as they have been unable to hibernate

She has already secured support from famous hedgehog lovers including TV presenter Alan Titchmarsh and former MP Ann Widdecombe, who have both given signed books as prizes, and has the backing of actress Joanna Lumley, Look North's Harry Gration, Only Fools and Horses star John 'Boycie' Challis and Dewsbury's MP Paula Sherriff.

Philippa is now approaching around 400 companies in Kirklees to ask for their support before the online quiz opens in mid-February.

Entrants pay Â£3 and receive a quiz sheet with questions themed around the prickly animals, and are then entered into a prize draw.

"The weather has been so mild that there's been no food for them, and the floods have had an impact too - they can swim but not in floodwater. Looking after them is such a big outlay - Vicky often doesn't have her tea until midnight as the hedgehogs have to eat first!" said Philippa.

Their food and medication can cost more than 100 per week

Vicky has been running the sanctuary at her Dewsbury house since 2010, and also keeps hens and cats. She regularly visits schools and local groups to give educational talks about her rescue work.

"We're hoping to run the quiz for 8-10 weeks. Last time we raised Â£700 and that was without any celebrity backing. This time we're aiming for Â£1,000, which will make a big difference over the next few months until the summer," added Philippa.

Hedgehog numbers are in decline because of the loss of their natural habitats, such as hedgerows, due to building and development.

Anyone wishing to donate a prize to the Oggles Quiz should email [email protected]. An opening date for the quiz will be confirmed in the next few weeks.