A large hedgehog, who managed to wedge himself upside-down in a vertical groundpipe, had to be saved by the fire brigade.

The RSPCA was called out to the Isle Of Sheppey Holiday Village in Warden Bay Road, Leysdown after the spiky creature was found stuck in a sunken pipe outside one of the chalets last weekend.

Animal rescue officer, Portia Mearns, said: “This poor hedgehog had got himself well and truly jammed head-first in the hole.

"He was unable to climb out or even move. He’d been there since early that morning and so it was really important we got him out as soon as possible.

“He was massive - so big I’m not sure how he got in there. But unfortunately, his size made it extremely difficult for me to extract him, so I asked the local Kent Fire and Rescue crew if they could help.

"The team were great, and slowly but surely managed to ease him out of the pipe. I was then able to take him to a wildlife centre for rehabilitation.

“We often find animals stuck in all sorts of weird places and this incident really highlights how everyday items can pose such a hazard to wildlife.

"Hedgehogs and other wild animals can easily fall into uncovered drains or holes in outside spaces, so it’s important to cover cavities or check them daily.

“This incident had a happy ending but it could have been a very different story.

"I’m really grateful to Kent Fire and Rescue for their help, and to South Essex Wildlife Hospital who will care for this hedgehog until he is ready to be released back into the wild.”

More information on how to help hedgehogs and ensure your garden is safe for them is available on the RSPCA website.

If you encounter an animal in distress, please call the RSPCA emergency line on 0300 1234 999.

To help the RSPCA with donations call 0300 123 8181.