Kerrie Sillet, manager of Dawn's New Horizon shop in Corbet Avenue, Norwich, was surprised to find a hedgehog in a bag of donations given to the shop on Wednesday. 

The animal was brought in a carrier bag of clothes, making Ms Sillet think it might be a coat. 

Lorraine Curston, who founded the charity, said: "I would not like to think they brought it in on purpose. 

"They might have left the donations bag outside." 

Fortunately, just after the hedgehog was found, a customer in the shop offered to take it to a rescue centre. 

"The customer messaged this morning to say our adorable friend is doing well," said Ms Curston. 

"Apparently, they have decided to name her Alice." 

Other strange donations the shop has received include udder cream, false teeth and goldfish, which were also rehomed. 

According to the RSPCA, hedgehogs re-emerge into the wild during the spring following hibernation from October to April. 

It recommends people handle hedgehogs with thick gloves and put them into a padded box. 

© Eastern Daily Press