Youngsters at a pre-school in Wimpole have had a rather unusual project this term – they have been collecting jelly-based cat food to deliver to Shepreth Hedgehog Hospital.

Royston Crow: Alycia and James admire Charlie Rose hedgehog being held by volunteer, Lynsey Paternoster. Picture: Clive PorterAlycia and James admire Charlie Rose hedgehog being held by volunteer, Lynsey Paternoster. Picture: Clive Porter (Image: Clive Porter)

Mother Goose Pre-school children went to the hospital as part of an in-class topic on wildlife and delivered 168 tins of cat food, much to the delight of the staff looking after the 90 hedgehogs at the centre and a further 50 in home care.

Georgie Standen, of the pre-school’s 12-member committee, helped organise the trip.

“The children absolutely loved it,” she said.

Royston Crow: Raffy and Alesha being shown Charlie Rose , one of the many baby patients at Shepreth Hedgehog Hospital, by volunteer Lynsey Paternoster. Picture: Clive PorterRaffy and Alesha being shown Charlie Rose , one of the many baby patients at Shepreth Hedgehog Hospital, by volunteer Lynsey Paternoster. Picture: Clive Porter (Image: Clive Porter)

“The wildlife park donated a family ticket to our raffle to raise funds for new outdoor equipment so this is our way of giving something back.”

The hospital’s volunteer centre manager Becky Morley said: “We get through a huge amount of cat food, so it is much appreciated.

“The hedgehogs can’t eat gravy or fish-based cat food because these give them an upset tummy, so jelly-based meat cat food is what they need.

“We thank the children and staff for coming in and giving their kind donation.”

For more on the hospital go to sheprethhedgehoghospital.co.uk and for more on the pre-school go to mothergoosepreschool.co.uk.