Hedgehog rescued from 7ft-deep pipe on army camp

A hedgehog was rescued from a "perilous spot" after falling into a 7ft (2.1m)-deep ground pipe on an army camp.

The RSPCA was called to Blandford Camp in Blandford Forum, Dorset after a member of the public spotted the hedgehog.

Animal rescue officer Jo Blackburn said: "Using my torch I could just make out the hedgehog trapped at the bottom of the shaft with absolutely no way of getting out."

After extricating the animal, Blackburn checked the hedgehog over and said it did not appear to be injured or dehydrated.

Using a long grasper pole, Blackburn was able to get the loop around her body and pull her free.

"She was a large female so she was stuck fast and had curled into a tight ball - she must have been terrified," she said.

Blackburn said her size indicated she could have been pregnant.

"She was in a very perilous spot and would have perished if she'd not been found," she added.

She said some "enthusiastic" army officers helped with the rescue as Blackburn placed the hedgehog in a cardboard box with some water and food.

The animal was later released back onto the campground at dusk.

Hedgehog populations have declined dramatically over the past few decades, and the RSPCA is urging the public to help smaller trapped animals if it's safe to do so.