FAST food junkies could be responsible for the death of hundreds of hedgehogs - animal, lovers have claimed.

Our little prickly friends are getting trapped inside carelessly discarded ice cream cartons, according to the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS).

A spokesman for the society said cartons from one of the country's popular fast food chains was particularly troublesome to hedgehogs that are attracted by the sweet contents. He added: "Once they put their heads into the cup, they cannot escape. One can only guess how many hedgehogs are killed every year by this sort of litter."

The society recognises that fast food chains can not be held responsible for their customers' littering problems, but is asking people to help pressure them into making packaging more animal-friendly.

The spokesman said: "We are asking people to help us get a minor change to the carton designs before the spring when hedgehogs are out of hibernation and ice cream season is upon us once again.

"Please contact the fast food companies and insist they make the changes quickly."

For more information contact the BHPS on 01584 890801