The serious problem with single-use plastic waste is brought starkly to the fore in this heartbreaking video filmed in Helston, as a hedgehog attempts to negotiate its way with a plastic cup stuck on its head.

The tiny nocturnal creature can be seen walking along the edge of the main road between the Porthleven roundabout and the traffic lights on the Penzance road near Lidl.

Jake Thomas spotted the struggling animal as he walked home on Saturday.

He said: "I tried to get the cup off but wasn't successful, so went home and asked my mum for help. By the time I got back, a car had pulled over and they'd already got the cup from his head and released him back to where he was.

"I don't know who you were but thank you. It totally broke my heart seeing the hedgehog suffer."

Watch a video of the struggling creature below:

The issue over plastic waste and littering is particularly in the public's consciousness at the moment, with Sir David Attenborough and Blue Planet II highlighting the extent of the problem to horrified BBC viewers.

There are a number of anti single-use plastic campaigns, including the Surfers Against Sewage Plastic Free Coastlines campaign and many towns and villages - including nearby Porthleven - working to become 'plastic free'.