A lucky hedgehog was saved after getting trapped at the bottom of a deep storm drain.
The animal – named Aquarius – managed to climb the safety railing and get inside the empty tank.
Storm drains release excess rainwater mixed with sewage during heavy rain to prevent flooding homes.
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Luckily despite heavy rain it was relatively empty.
Workers Joe Martin and George Cane improvised by using a telescopic sampling pole, a bucket and a hoe to scoop Aquarius to safety.
They then made a makeshift transport carrier out of a cardboard box and dry vegetation before driving Aquarius to a hedgehog rescue centre.
It happened at Blackawton near Dartmouth, Devon, as reported by What’s The Jam.
Mr Martin, of South West Water, said: “I was walking the site as part of routine checks when I spotted a small ball of spikes down in the tank.
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“Thankfully the storm tank was empty despite the recent rain.
“We improvised with a telescopic sampling pole, a bucket and a hoe to scoop him to safety.
“He looked cold and slow, so we moved him somewhere quiet and even tried feeding him worms.
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“We contacted the charity ‘Prickles in a Pickle’ because we thought we might need some expert help.”
Alan Pook and his partner Judy Thomson run the charity from their home.
Ms Thomson said: “When Aquarius arrived he was very cold, thin, dehydrated and wobbly.
“He weighed just 0.6lbs.
“Thanks to Joe and George’s quick thinking, he’s now doing really well.
“He’s doubled his weight to 1.2lbs.
“He has a poorly hind leg that’s improving and some internal parasites we’re treating, so he’ll be staying with us over Christmas.”
She added Aquarius had a reunion with Joe Martin and George Cane because they wanted to check on his recovery.
“They’ve grown attached to the little chap and couldn’t believe how much he’d grown,” she said.
“Aquarius might not have survived Christmas, but thanks to these two, he will be happily fattening himself up even more.”
SWW said it had now made the tank extra secure to stop any future hedgehog visitors.
“It’s made our Christmas knowing Aquarius is on the mend,” added Mr Martin.
“He’s a tough little character, but let’s hope he’s less ‘adventurous’ in the future.”
Aquarius is expected to be released near to where he was found in the New Year once he has fully recovered.
