It will be a homely Christmas for lucky dormice trio

This cute, tiny, and extremely lucky trio of orphaned Dormice are going to be in clover for Christmas.

Their mum died and they were taken in by charity Secret World which has become a temporary home from home for hundreds of injured or orphaned wild animals and birds from all over North Somerset in recent years.

Now they have put on weight after feasting on blackberries, hazelnuts and wild bird seed at the home of charity team member Debbie O'Keefe.

But the trio, who have now been looked after since their arrival from Cornwall in August, would still not be mature enough for release back into the wild until sometime after the festive season, she said.

"Christmas cake would not be good for them but I am sure we could drape some tinsel over their cosy tank where they nestle on a heat pad," said Debbie, whose children Charlie, aged 9, and Harry, 12, have taken quite an interest in their tiny house guests.

Secret World, which is based in East Huntspill, near Highbridge, is assisted by Volunteer Response Drivers from North Somerset and other areas who go and in all winds and weathers to rescue wildlife in distress.

Founder Pauline Kidner said the charity had launched a £4.4 million Call of the Wild Appeal to provide the region's first Wildlife Hospital and Education Centre.

"With it now costing around £135 to care for every single wild animal or bird we take in, the support of wildlife lovers across the region is vital," she said.