Charity near King's Lynn offers last-minute Christmas gift idea

Norfolk residents who still have last-minute Christmas shopping to do are being urged to consider buying an alternative gift this year and help some homeless hedgehogs and some special seals.

The animal most associated with Christmas has to be the reindeer – but the RSPCA is asking people to spare a thought for the poor little hedgehog and the seal.

Staff at RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre are currently inundated with around 150 hedgehogs and 20 seals.

With so many mouths to feed staff have come up with a way to help raise funds to support the animals, and also give people a unique way to help animals in need.

For �20 people can sponsor a hedgehog and in return will receive a photograph, key ring or fridge magnet a certificate and a six-monthly newsletter.

The money raised will help to feed a hedgehog and pay for its care while it is rehabilitated at the centre.

But if people want to help one of the seals, the RSPCA is asking for a donation of �20 and to name a seal (This season the centre's theme for seal's names is Creatures of the Deep) and receive a photograph, certificate and six monthly newsletter.

Alison Charles, centre manager said: 'Christmas is an extremely busy time for the hospital and we are inundated with lots of animals and it all costs money to feed them. We thought that the sponsoring a seal or hedgehog was a great way to show people the work we do and also raise much needed funds for the wildlife centre.

'We worked out that it costs us around �1.84 a week to feed just one hedgehog, and this may not seem a lot, but when you have 147 to feed a day it can soon add up – it can cost around �280 a week to feed them all!

'And with the seals we currently have 22 in our care, seven of which are greys. To feed a seal fish for one week now costs us �23.10p.

'So once again we are asking the public to spare a few pounds to help these wonderful animals this winter and sign up to our sponsorship schemes.

'We are all so grateful for any donations no matter how small or large and for more information please contact 0300 123 0709 or email eastwinch@rspca.org.uk.'