A COUNCIL has stepped in to try to solve a mystery illness which has killed dozens of hedgehogs in a village.

At least 24 of the creatures have fallen ill and died after being found in Woodham, Newton Aycliffe. The deaths have puzzled animal lover Brenda Angus, who runs a haven for hedgehogs at her home.

Following a story in The Northern Echo last week, Sedgefield Borough Council has agreed to pay for an autopsy on one of the hedgehogs to find out what has been killing them.

Mrs Angus, of Newton Aycliffe, said she was delighted that the mystery may be solved.

"We need to find out as soon as possible, because the adult hedgehogs are about to go into winter hibernation and many may never come out," she said.

"We have had a lot of publicity as a result of The Northern Echo story and, hopefully, we will finally get to the bottom of this."

The hedgehogs, which have been taken to Mrs Angus by concerned residents, have all shown the same symptoms. They want to eat and drink, but are unable to do so, and after a few days they begin haemorrhaging, then die.