A grandmother has sounded the alarm after five hedgehogs were killed after reportedly eating rat poison.

Jo Taylor, of Tankerton, hopes to raise awareness about the dangers wildlife can face when ingesting the highly toxic material.

The grandmother-of-11 says the animals died in a “horrible” way around the Graystone and Manor Road area over the past week.

Ms Taylor volunteers at Throne Hedgehog Rescue in Pluckley, near Ashford, run by mum-of-three Lisa Steward.

“It is very expensive for a vet to do an autopsy on a hedgehog,” she says.

“People don’t realise how damaging poison is on other animals and there are much better ways of getting rid of rats.

“It’s mainly about keeping your garden tidy so that it doesn't attract pests so making sure there’s no rubbish left around.

“There are also plants, such as mint and lavender, which act as a deterrent as well.

“I just want people to be aware of how harmful it is and to be more considerate of wildlife.”

Government guidelines for making gardens hedgehog-friendly included not using pesticides and poisons.

The advice also says areas of the garden should be allowed to grow wild to mimic hedgehogs’ natural habitat as well as provide shelter through logs piles and hedgehog homes.

People should leave out water and foods such as meaty cat or dog food and cat biscuits to attract the animals.

Having CD case-sized gaps in fences or walls is also recommended as it allows hedgehogs to move between gardens.

Hedgehogs are protected by UK law and it's illegal to kill or capture them, and cruel treatment is prohibited.

If injured hedgehogs are found people should call the British Hedgehog Preservation Society for first aid advice on 01584 890 801.

People can also take the hedgehog to a vet.