A hedgehog has had a lucky escape after getting completely entangled in a badminton court net.

The prickly mammal was rescued by the RSPCA after being found in a garden in Whatley, near Chard in Somerset, last week by a member of the public.

The net was so tightly wound around him it was caught in his spines and in his mouth. It is not known how long he had been entangled, but he had been unable to move or feed for a while, the charity said.

Animal collection officer Dudley Clements said: "There was no way this little fella was going anywhere - the netting worked like Velcro and he was thoroughly entangled.

"This serves as a reminder for people who use garden sports sets to always ensure they are safely removed and stored.

"Any discarded netting should be safely placed in a bin and I would ask anyone with a net in their garden to please consider the consequences for animals and birds and make frequent checks so that any trapped wildlife may be freed.

"It may have looked like a simple kid's badminton net but it was hazardous for this hedgehog.

"Had we not been called he would not have survived. He had a lucky escape."

The hedgehog was taken to West Hatch Wildlife Centre in Taunton where he was given an anaesthetic so the net could be cut away.

He was underweight, weak and clearly in discomfort on arrival but made a quick recovery following some food and care.

It is hoped he will soon be able to be released back to the wild.