Rescuing a poorly hedgehog found wobbling along a kerb has inspired a Porthleven businesswoman to raise over £100 for a local wildlife charity.

Louise Winterton, proprietor of The Customs House Gallery in Porthleven, spotted the usually nocturnal creature while driving along in the daytime, and stopped to help her.

Louise said: "I had heard that hedgehogs shouldn’t be out in the daytime, and this one was staggering around and felt quite cold when I found it so I knew definitely that something was wrong."

After making a couple of phone call and subsequently delivering the animal to wildlife rehabilitation centre Finnigan's Rainbow, near Praze-an-Beeble, Louise could not get the plight of the little creature out of her mind.

Following the rescue, Louise discovered that hedgehog numbers were in decline in the UK, dropping from more than 30 million in the 1950s to around 1.5 million by the 1990s, and she decided to do something to help the charity.

"I was horrified to find out how hedgehog numbers had dropped’ said Louise ’and I wanted to do something to help at a local level."

The Gallery decided to raffle a moon-gazing hare statue, raising more than £110.

Caroline said: "I only treat the animals under veterinary supervision, and the costs of medication can certainly mount up.

"This amazing donation will not only help towards treatments and food, but help run the heated enclosures over the winter to prevent the smaller hoglets from hibernating. I am so grateful to Louise and her gallery’s customers."

At this time of year, as the temperatures begin to drop, all hedgehogs are trying to build up enough fat stores to see them through their winter hibernation, but for smaller, autumn born hoglets there is simply not enough time to reach hibernation weight.

The general rule during winter months is that any hedgehog out during the day should be regarded as in trouble and should be gently picked up using an old towel or heavy duty gloves and placed in a secure box, non-airtight box in a heated room, and advice sought. A hedgehog which when curled up would be smaller than a grapefruit could be at risk whether out during the day or at night.

If you find a hedgehog contact Finnigan's Rainbow on 07887 710940, The British Hedgehog Preservation Society on 01584 890801.