Chilly weather has seen the number of hedgehogs passing through the door of a Sussex animal rescue centre soar.

Just last week 22 hedgehogs were rescued by East Sussex Animal Rescue Service (WRAS) – the highest number yet in 2013.

Each critter costs £135 to care for all winter.

The hedgehogs have all been named after themes. Among the heroes and heroines are Mother Theresa, Bob Geldof and Bono. Villains include Voldemort, Damian, Hannibal and Dracula.

There is also Dexter, Emmer-dale, Andrew, Brian May, Spell, Cauldron, Caretaker, Diablo, Guy, Bonfire, Scream, Balthazar, Satchel, Elementary and Firework.

Five hedgehogs – Bic, Biro, Fountain Pen, Crayon and Rubber – have been named after objects found on a table.

The hedgehogs suffer a variety of ailments. For example Crayon was found down a drain after washing water was poured down, Brian May was particularly tiny and Emmerdale is an amputee.

Trevor Weeks, founder of WRAS, said a lot of the hedgehogs were simply too small to cope with plummeting temperatures.

He said: “We have had more hedgehogs come into care this past week than any week so far this year, a total of 22 hedgehog rescues in one week.

“Most of them were from Eastbourne with two being picked up from Ashgate Road weighing just 180 and 190 grams – too small to hibernate.

“Away from Eastbourne we also picked up hedgehogs from Polegate, Hailsham, Seaford, Uckfield, Burgess Hill, Lewes and Polegate.

“Not all hedgehogs are hibernating yet. A study undertaken by St Tiggywinkles showed that hedgehogs which weigh more than 600g stand a good chance of surviving hibernation where many under this do not survive.

“Please remember that hedgehogs should not be out during the day time so always pick them up regardless of their weight and give WRAS a call.”