A wildlife rescuer is hanging up his gloves after more than 30 years of helping hedgehogs.

Having lived in Thorpe St Andrew since 1991, John Claxton, 68, has built up a reputation in the local area as one of the foremost hedgehog rescuers. 

But the retired safety consultant announced this week that his hedgehog rescue service - known as TSA Hedgehog Rescue - would permanently close at the end of the month.

John Claxton has been helping hedgehogs for more than 30 yearsJohn Claxton has been helping hedgehogs for more than 30 years (Image: John Claxton) Born and bred in Norwich, Mr Claxton has been helping to care for injured hedgehogs and abandoned hoglets for three decades and received formal training at Vale Wildlife Hospital in Gloucestershire five years ago. 

Over the years he has helped to rehabilitate and release hundreds of hedgehogs back into the wild. 

He currently has his hands full with 14 hedgehogs including two mums with hoglets and four hoglets who have been separated from their mums who require hand-feeding every four hours. 

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Mr Claxton is hand-feeding a group of young hoglets (Image: John Claxton) This year he has already released 48 hedgehogs back into the wild and says the worst cases he has dealt with are strimmer and chainsaw injuries from people not checking before starting gardening and construction works. 

Now, for personal reasons, he is having to relocate. 

"I’m extremely grateful to the people of Thorpe St Andrew," Mr Claxton said.

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Mr Claxton is currently looking after a mum with five babiesMr Claxton is currently looking after a mother with five babies (Image: John Claxton) "There’s lots of good people out there who care about the animals and on a personal level I feel like I’m letting them down by having to relocate.

"The care takes up a lot of time and I’m very grateful to my friend Sandra who helps me out - If it wasn’t for her I probably couldn't cope. 

"I won’t stop helping hedgehogs, I’ll just be helping them in a different location."

People concerned about a hedgehog can ring the Hodmedods helpline on 07835 498970 where they will be connected to a local rescuer.