A BABY hedgehog named Van Gogh is recovering after emergency surgery on an ear.

The critter was found in distressed condition by a man in Malmesbury who contacted the Oak and Furrows Wildlife Rescue Centre of Somerford Keynes.

The centre’s assistant manager Tori Webb said: “Any hedgehog out in the daytime is an indication that the creature is poorly so we quickly got one of our response drivers to pick the little guy up.”

Workers at the sanctuary found it had an infected ear so they contacted the vets, who discovered a tear that needed stitching.

She said: “He is still on antibiotics and growing by the day.”

Van Gogh will spend winter at the centre as he is too small to hibernate, but will be released back to the Malmesbury area in spring.

Tori said: “If you would like to support us locally then Malmesbury Waitrose has Oak and Furrows in their Community Matters scheme this month. Show your support by voting for us with your green token.”