Hedgehog rescued from drain pipe ordeal with the help of oil and pliers

A hedgehog that spent at least four days stuck in a rusty underground drain pipe in Fife has been rescued with the help of some cooking oil and a large pair of pliers.

The animal was spotted rolled up in a tight ball and jammed deep inside the pipe outside Markinch town hall on Monday.

Rescuers from Burntisland Hedgehog Haven tried in vain to extract it and concluded it was probably dead but when a teacher from the out-of-school club looked into the hole the next day, she saw a face peering up at her.

She summoned back the rescuers who this time succeeded in pulling free the hedgehog, which appears to be making a good recovery.

Andy Longhurst, who started the rescue charity with his wife Wendy, told BBC Scotland News: "We believe this hedgehog had been there since Friday but we got the call on Monday afternoon.

"When we arrived it was face-down in a ball. We tried for 30 minutes to free it but the spikes weren't moving and we suspected the worst."

Yvonne from Markinch out-of-school club placed a cone over the open drain overnight so no children would see and to prevent any other wildlife from getting hurt.

However, the next day the charity workers hurried back after being told the hedgehog had managed to turn around on its own.

"This time armed with tools I tried again. The hedgehog wasn't budging - then my wife reminded me to try vegetable oil," said Andy.

"After lubricating the outer walls of the drain eventually we could get the hedgehog out."

Andy initially thought he was dealing with a baby hog - but as it came to the surface he realised it was in fact a chunky adult male.

An inspection revealed he weighed 982g (2lbs 2.3oz) and also had a personal hygiene problem.

"When I brought him up to the surface I realised it was actually a big adult hog - and my goodness did he smell bad," explained Andy.

"He was covered in 37 ticks which we removed and he was exhausted but we warmed him up and gave him food and fluids.

"He had a really good night and is running about the rescue centre today.

"We don't think he is hurt but he will now be monitored for post restriction injuries which can take seven days to develop."

The couple started the charity three years ago after realising there was no similar service in the area.

They now have 40 volunteer "hog ambulance drivers" who can collect an animal in need from anywhere in Fife, Edinburgh, the Lothians and as far as the Borders.

Hedgehog awareness week will run from 3-9 of May and highlights issues that are threatening the species.