THEY'RE the little creatures that have stood the test of time.

Now a call has gone out to give a helping hand to Dorchester's hedgehogs in their hour of need.

The hardy little spikey creatures have been around for millions of years but the loss of their habitat due to human developments means they are becoming increasingly under threat - with one recent study even suggesting they could become extinct in Britain within 15 years.

In some parts of the UK hedgehog numbers have declined by up to 50 per cent in the last 25 years.

In response address the issue locally a campaign is being launched in Dorchester in a bid to make it officially a hedgehog friendly town.

It will build on the work of the Dorset Mammal Group and the People's Trust for Endangered Species that has already seen a number of village communities in Dorset and Bridport recognised as hedgehog friendly.

The organisations are aiming to get people to make the lives of hedgehogs, which can roam one or two miles every night, easier by taking simple steps such as cutting a hole in or under their garden fences for them to pass through and providing food and shelter.

Dorchester resident Linda Poulsen said she regularly enjoys the sight of hedgehogs in her garden and is encouraging others to do their bit to ensure the popular little mammals continue to grace the county town.

She said: "Hedgehogs have been around for literally millions of years, they were around before sabre toothed tigers and woolly mammoths, and they have managed to withstand all the pressures things like climate change has thrown at them and people throughout the ages.

"Yet it is now that hedgehogs are facing a severe decline.

"Clearly something needs to be done to address this issue."

The launch event is being held on Thursday, February 25 at the Dorford Centre at the Top O'Town.

It will start at 7.30pm with doors open from 7pm and will see information on offer about how to make your garden hedgehog friendly.

Town Crier Alistair Chisholm will perform a special cry for the occasion and Mayor of Dorchester Robin Potter will also attend.

The mayor will be presented with a special mug from the campaigners to mark the occasion.

Admission to the event is free and there is also free parking in the Top O'Town car park after 6pm.

Refreshments will be on offer and donations to the Dorset Mammal Group will be welcomed.

For more information about the project visit hedgehogstreet.org or dorsetmammalgroup.org.uk