A hedgehog who was discovered trapped in garden string in October was given a clean bill of health by her rescue team just before Christmas.

Deedee the hedgehog arrived at Greatfield Hedgehog Rescue Okehampton tangled in piece of discarded string and very underweight at only 124g. After rescuers cut away the string, Deedee was placed in the care of hedgehog fosterer Jan Hazell, and now weighs a healthy 646g.

Pam Pemberton, founder of Greatfield Hedgehog Rescue Centre, said on Facebook: ‘Deedee needs a little bit more weight on for this time of year before release coupled with a clear run of night temperatures of five degrees and above for five days. A huge thank you to Jan for doing a great job with this little lady.’

A healthy weight for a hedgehog at this time time of year is 700g so Deedee will spend the winter at the rescue centre to gain the remaining weight before she is released.

The rescuers will need to wait until the night temperatures reach at least five degrees for five days otherwise Deedee will be unable to find the food she needs.

Contrary to popular opinion, hedgehogs do not remain asleep throughout their hibernation. Instead, many hedgehogs will wake up hungry and go in search of food before returning to their nests.

Ms Pemberton said: ‘Hedgehogs don’t just go to sleep which is why it’s really important for the public to continue to put food out and a bowl of water throughout the year.’

Deedee has been handled as little as possible so that she retains her natural survival instincts.