Boycie helps to brew up a boost for hedgehog charity
Only Fools And Hedgehogs will raise money for a national charity based in Ludlow that protects the prickly creatures during autumn.
Actor John Challis will be the guest of honour at a Chef's Table Restaurant at Ludlow Food Festival, which runs from Friday to Sunday – and sales of Old Prickly Beer, which is brewed in Cleobury Mortimer, will help raise cash for the British Hedgehog Preservation Society.
Mr Challis is a patron of the charity and hopes that people will buy bottles of Old Prickly at the Chef's Table Restaurant.
He said: "I'm a long-term supporter of the BHPS and at autumn, they need our help more than ever. Hopefully people will support the Chef's Table and sup up plenty of Old Prickly. A percentage of proceeds from every bottle sold will go to the BHPS. I have hedgehogs in my garden and am happy to help."
BHPS spokeswoman Fay Vass said the charity was busy in the run-in to autumn and had launched a new campaign to help juvenile hedgehogs.
She said: "Juveniles are the ones born late in the year that struggle to put on enough weight in time for hibernation. They are often found out during the day, cold and lethargic."
She added that people could give them first aid by moving them indoors, away from flies, and putting them in a high-sided box before providing a wrapped warm hot water bottle.
They could then provide meaty cat or dog food and fresh water and call the BHPS for further advice and help on (01584) 890801 or at www.britishhedgehogs.org. uk
James Day, the Bridgnorth-based food consultant who is organising the Chef's Table Restaurant at Ludlow Food Festival, said he was delighted to help.
By Andy Richardson
