The RSPCA has revealed it received hundreds of hedgehog-related call-outs across the county last year.

This week marks Hedgehog Awareness Week, which focuses on the prickly creatures that make up the most centre admissions at the RSPCA's centre.

Of the 2,770 hedgehogs admitted last year, 202 were taken in in Kent.

April marks the end of the animal's hibernation period, so with more out and about rescue teams are expecting an increase in calls.

Spring generally sees a higher number of reports as breeding season commences for wildlife such as birds.

RSPCA teams continue to respond to concerns despite the Covid-19 pandemic, having been designated key workers.

One of the group's scientific officers, Evie Button, said: “Regardless of coronavirus, wild animals still need rescuing by the RSPCA and breeding season is the start of a really busy time for us.

“We’ll have lots of calls about baby birds, orphaned fox cubs and hedgehogs which have come out of hibernation and need help to build up their body weight.

“It’s Hedgehog Awareness Week which is very appropriate as these much-loved prickly creatures are the most frequent visitor to our wildlife centres.”

The most common reasons hedgehogs come into the RSPCA are because they are orphaned, underweight, injured or exhibiting abnormal behaviour indicative of ill health.

Across the nation, since lockdown began, the RSPCA has responded to 10,817 incidents about wildlife, 540 of which have been about hedgehogs.

However, like many others the charity is facing financial difficulties so has launched a fundraising appeal to continue its work.

Ms Button also had advice for anyone who finds a juvenile animal in need. She said: "Watching wildlife is such a great source of comfort to people at the moment and we are so grateful to the public for calling us when they are concerned about any animal.

"However in the case of baby animals, including fledglings, it’s often better to leave them where they are as they are often rescued by their mum or get themselves out of trouble. There’s lots of advice on our website.”

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here.

Read more: All the latest news from Kent