A hefty hedgehog had to be rescued after getting itself in a prickly situation.

It was found wedged tight between the metal bars of a gate in Tudor Road, Canterbury, in the early hours, prompting a resident to call the RSPCA.

And it was Inspector Deborah Pert who turned out at around 3am to help free the distressed animal last Wednesday.

She said: "A woman got in touch with us after the hedgehog, who’d been snuffling around her garden, was spooked and ran into the gate.

"It looks as though the prickly porker thought he’d get through the gap between the metal bars but was a little wide around the waist to make it and got himself wedged.

“The lady had tried to free the hedgehog but couldn’t get him out so got in touch with us. Luckily, I was able to carefully wriggle him free, although it did take some time.

"I kept stroking his spines to encourage him to uncurl and then angled his body to the side so he would fit through easier.

“He was very scared so kept trying to curl up and I had to continue encouraging him to uncurl again. It took lots of patience and understanding.

"Thankfully, when I eventually freed him and checked him over, he wasn’t injured so I released him back into the night."

The RSPCA says people should take care around wild animals, which can bit or scratch when scared or cornered.

The charity recommends keeping a safe distance and reporting any concerns immediately to the charity’s 24-hour emergency line on 0300 1234 999 for advice or to request help.

To support RSPCA’s work, visit www.rspca.org.uk/give or text LOVE to 87023 to donate £3.