ANY hedgehog-loving residents of Maldon district are being asked by an Essex wildlife charity to help it find places where the endangered creatures can safely be released back into the wild.

The South Essex Wildlife Hospital, based in Thurrock, is hoping regional residents will help it find more sites where it can safely release hedgehogs back into natural surroundings.

Due to the decline in the species and the difficulties in finding suitable release sites for rehabilitated wildlife, staff at the hospital at Orsett are undertaking a research survey to find out where in Essex hedgehog populations are.

The hospital already has a number of places where rescued hedgehogs can be released and people can sign up after having shown their gardens or wild areas are safe to be used as release points - but more are needed.

If you have these animals visiting your garden you are asked to get in touch with the hospital via messenger on its Facebook page or email: [email protected] with your postcode that can be pinned to a map that is being compiled.