GARDENERS are being urged to help prevent the region's hedgehogs being killed.

National Hedgehog Awareness Week begins tomorrow and aims to help gardeners realise the dangers they pose to the creatures.

Organised by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, one of the event supporters is Iris Davison, who runs a rescue service from her Darlington home.

Mrs Davison, who operates Elton Hedgehog Rescue, in Elton Parade, said: "Hedgehogs are a familiar and popular animal, but, unfortunately, they are declining in number, which is sad because they have survived for millions of years."

She said that built-up areas had become more important for hedgehogs because intensive agriculture had reduced the grubs on which the animals feed in the countryside.

Mrs Davison said "Sadly, hedgehogs are also under threat in our gardens from man, who is unwittingly killing many of them, even though they are the gardener's friend."

Hedgehogs perform a crucial function in gardens, eating many bugs that prey on plants, but can be injured by lawnmowers, strimmers, bonfires and in ponds.

Mrs Davison, a member of Cleveland Hedgehog Preservation Society, recently spent ten months nursing a hedgehog back to health after it suffered serious injuries from a strimmer.

She releases all but the most badly injured back into the wild and will be at Darlington Arts Centre, Vane Terrace, from Tuesday to Saturday next week to talk to people about her work.

Her hospital opened last year with support from the Stanhope Park Veterinary Practice, in Stanhope Road.

She is also willing to give talks to groups. She can be contacted through the National Hedgehog Helpline on (0292) 062 3985.

Safety advice

* Check for hedgehogs before starting bonfires or cutting long grass.

* Check before sticking forks in compost.

* Keep drains covered to prevent them falling in.

* Use organic methods to control slugs and snails as pesticides can kill hedgehogs.

* Use a ramp or chicken wire at the edge of a pond to help a hedgehog escape.

* Never leave netting lying around.

* Hedgehogs are often killed when they get their heads stuck in discarded tins and yogurt pots. Bin rubbish.