A plea has gone out to animal lovers to help set up a new hedgehog hospital shed in south Norfolk.

Anna Hunter runs the Waveney Valley Hogspital at her home outside Harleston, and plans to move poorly hedgehogs into a new shed at the site so she can continue to care for her prickly patients.

She has until April to raise the £2,000 for the work which is due to start at the end of that month.

As the deadline approaches Miss Hunter is now appealing for people to take part in fundraising activities, such as a sponsored run or parachute jump.

Miss Hunter is also looking for anyone who can offer cupboards and drawers, sinks, plumbing and electrics, all in good condition, for the new animal care centre. And the hedgehog helper is also urging anyone who can offer practical help to set up the new hogspital shed, such as laying paving stones, proving dry storage and a mini digger, to get in touch.

Miss Hunter, who works for the Britten-Pears Foundation in Aldeburgh, said: 'We have until April to raise nearly £2,000 towards the new workshop.

'Without a new hogspital we will not be able to help any hedgehogs as our current hogspital is rotten.

'It is no longer water-tight, the floor moves when you walk on it, the heat escapes and the door needs wedging with a pitchfork to keep it closed – just to name a few problems.

'We are not a registered charity so that rules out grants, therefore fundraising is the way forward.

'If anyone would like to bake, run, cycle, jump, rattle tins and donate to the process of buying of the new shed please get in touch.

'There are a few other jobs that need doing in order for the new hogspital to be installed, so all on-hands help will be greatly appreciated.'

Miss Hunter first developed a soft spot for the animals after rescuing her first hedgehog when she was six.

So she could care for them properly, she went on a course run by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society to learn about rehabilitation and first aid.

Anyone who wants to help the Waveney Valley Hogspital, which was founded in 2007, can call 07912 674844 or email info@hogspital.co.uk

Are you organising a special event to help animals? Email anthony.carroll@archant.co.uk