A HEDGEHOG had to be rescued in Braunton after getting drunk by eating fermenting apples.

The animal — now named Tipsy — was discovered in an orchard on his back and squealing loudly last Wednesday.

The Prickly Ball Hedgehog Hospital in South Devon asked local wildlife rescue expert Ann McCormack to help the hedgehog.

It had been found by homeowners in Chaloners Road who were alerted by the squeals.

Ann said: "They had placed it in a guinea pig cage and it kept going round in circles.

"The hedgehog kept falling over and was on its back with its legs up in the air for most of the time. It was legless.

"This is definitely the first drunk hedgehog I have found."

Tipsy was taken home by Ann and given painkillers, antibiotics and some non- alcoholic apple juice.

Ann said: "The next morning I came in and turned the light on and she squealed really loudly. She obviously still had a big headache."

Tipsy, aged about six months, is due to be hibernating for the winter now but is currently underweight and without sufficient body fat to keep her warm.

Ann will feed Tipsy to a healthy size of 600g and release her in the spring.

Ann worked for many years as a physiotherapist in Cheshire and moved to Braunton two years ago.

Her husband owns the Mobility Centre in Cross Street.

Since arriving in the village Ann has rescued and rehabilitated more than 100 wounded animals and takes injured creatures from the RSCPA and the Mullacott Veterinary Hospital.

Last week Ann also saved a six-week-old hedgehog.

It is similarly under-nourished and will be kept until the spring.