PEOPLE who will be holding bonfire and firework parties have been warned to beware of the danger to hedgehogs.

The Ludlow based British Hedgehog Preservation Society has warned that the number of these once familiar creatures are in decline.

Hedgehogs can be especially at risk from bonfire and garden fires.

They will often seek refuge under them and face a horrific death if they are not moved before the fire is lit.

The advice is that whenever possible the bonfire is not built until the day on which is it to be used.

But before this happens there should also be a search to ensure that no hedgehogs or other wildlife is hiding under the material.

Advice is also given every year to make sure that pets are kept indoors and away from bonfires.