A charity in Dalton announced its closure 'with immediate effect' over the Bank Holiday.

Irene Cannon, who runs the Furness Hedgehog Rescue, shared on Saturday that the decision had been made due to personal reasons after a 'great deal of soul searching'.

Read more: Furness Hedgehog Rescue gets 'amazing' backing from locals | The Mail (nwemail.co.uk)

Whilst the temporary closure is in effect, the charity will still care for the numerous hedgehogs that are currently under its protection until they are ready to go back out into the wild.

Irene said: "I still have almost 50 hedgehogs in rescue, many of which are ready for release once the weather settles again.

"I have met some amazing, lovely people this year but unfortunately have also had to deal with some very obnoxious people - yesterday I was threatened with action just for saying a hedgehog was in need of care which has helped me to make this decision.

"[I just want to say a] big thank you to all my followers, you are all the very best."