MEET Harvey the hedgehog - a little creature in need of some winter warmth.

With humans, the time of year we are born has little or no effect on whether we will survive or not - but for hedgehogs their date of birth can determine whether they live or die.

Hedgehogs born in the early months of the year have a much better chance of survival than those who are born in autumn and winter because they have time to accumulate the extra layer of fat which helps them to survive hibernation.

But there is a ray of hope for these unfortunate late starters in the form of the HART animal centre in Overton which has started a hedgehog fostering scheme.

Eileen Unnuk, one of the centre's managers, came up with a novel idea to ensure that as many hedgehogs as possible from the centre can be given enough individual attention to help them survive the winter.

Members of the public who have been thoroughly checked for suitability by HART will be given a healthy hedgehog to take home, providing they have a quiet place to keep it.

Fosterers will become hedgehog carers for the duration of the animal's stay, usually from November to March, feeding, cleaning out and exercising the hedgehog.

Anyone wanting to foster a hedgehog can contact Eileen Unnuk on 01635 928872 or 01256 770438 for further information.