The 57-year-old volunteer said she had “never seen anything like it” in five years working at the facility.

The rescue centre later posted a photograph of the bobble on social media, showing it nestled in a box beside a bowl of food.

The charity wrote on Facebook: “Our hearts melted as a kind soul thought she was rescuing a baby hedgehog, only to discover it was a fluffy pom-pom from a bobble hat. This adorable ‘hoglet’ still got all the love, complete with some cosy TLC.

“Remember, kindness knows no bounds, even when it’s to a faux furry friend! Sometimes, even the most heart-warming stories start with a hilarious twist!”

It added: “Please remember, if you spot a hedgehog out during the day, it’s a sign something’s not right. Pop them in a box with a warm source and seek help from your local vets.”

The Telegraph, London

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