A HOSPITAL that specialises in prickly patients is opening its doors to the public.

The Lancashire Hedgehog Hospital based in Little Lever is holding open days as part of BT's Environment Week, giving people an insight into what goes on in the highly specialist unit.

The hospital is run by Mel Crossley and his girlfriend, Catherine Harrison, from their back garden in Churchill Drive.

It is open 24 hours a day, providing a free voluntary service. It survives on donations and membership fees.

At the moment, Mel and Catherine have their hands full looking after 54 patients.

The couple's devotion to the little creatures is total. In addition to offering their tiny patients round the clock care, the pair also hold down jobs.

Mel works as a welder from 8am to 5pm. When he comes home, Carol goes to her job making pet toys between 5pm and 9pm.

Mel says: "Releasing them fit and well back into the forest is worth all the long hours. It's only a drop in the ocean but it's our way of putting something back."

Now is a particularly busy time for the hospital as many baby hedgehogs are being born. "They come here in all sorts of conditions. Sometimes they are the victims of cruelty or accidents and many suffer from lung worm."

In recent months the couple have turned to homeopathic remedies alongside more conventional veterinary medicines. Mel says it has been particularly successful in removing the worms from the hedgehogs' lungs.

Visitors who take advantage of the open days will be given a full tour of the unit, including the emergency department with its incubators and the recently built Spikes House, named after the very first hedgehog Mel treated.

Mel is taking part in BT's Environment Week because he has his fingers crossed that the hospital's efforts will be rewarded.

There are BT Community Awards worth a total of £50,000 on offer and, if Mel's bid is successful, he wants to create a teaching unit at the hospital where people can learn about hedgehogs and wildlife in general.

The open days take place during Environment Week which is between May 10 and 18.

The week is already fully booked, but there are places left to tour the hospital at the weekend - May 17 and 18. To reserve a place ring Mel on Bolton 709144.

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