The hedgehog is the emblem of Ross, featured on the Mayor's chain of office and in the local church, however the local charity which helps these prickly creatures is suffering from a lack of donations from the generous people of the town.

Furzepig Hedgehog Rescue has launched a Christmas Appeal to 'Help A Hog' this Christmas. The Rescue Centre is based in Bridstow near Ross and is run by Maureen Webb. She told the Gazette that it is full to capacity and she is desperate for donations. She said that the hedgehogs would be very grateful for dog or cat food (not fish based or in gravy), cat or kitten biscuits, dried mealworms, dried banana chips, sultanas, ready made hedgehog food and items such as paper kitchen towels, non bio washing powder, newspapers and hand towels but not bath towels or bedding.

For the rest of this story please see this week's Ross Gazette.