People are being urged to lookout for hedgehogs in their bonfires this Bonfire Night.

The Northumberland Wildlife Trust has highlighted the danger faced by hedgehogs, often finding shelter in bonfires which can subsequently trap them once lit.

Northumberland Wildlife Trust Senior Estates Officer, Geoff Dobbins said: "To a hedgehog looking for a place to sleep, an unlit bonfire is a ready-made five star hotel.

"We are urging people to give inspecting their bonfires top priority before lighting them.

"It only takes a minute to do but can save hundreds of hedgehogs from an unnecessary death."

The Trust warns of the critical status of hedgehogs in the UK.

Put on the Mammal Society’s Red List, their numbers have decreased by half since 2007.

Less than one million are believed to remain in the country.

Several preventative measures are recommended by the charity.

Constructing bonfires close to the night and encasing the foot with chicken wire are among them.

If any hedgehogs are discovered, they should be moved to a ready-made hedgehog box placed away from the fire.

After the event, the hedgehogs can be safely released.

Offering alternative shelters with piles of grass cuttings or autumn leaves could also deter them from choosing bonfires.