A NEW animal rescue centre welcomed its first hedgehog through its doors over the weekend.

Jackson's Place in Mold has recently opened after taking over the former Capricorn Animal Rescue.

On Sunday evening, the team checked over a rescued hedgehog, Kiwi, before he was transported to the Wildlife Centre in the Wirral where he will spend the rest of his recovery.

A spokesman said: "We are really happy we are able to help more of these lovely creatures in new areas thanks to the new premises.

"Many hedgehogs in the area can be assessed and receive vital first aid before being transferred to our wildlife centre, helping us save more little lives."

Jackson's rescue opened its new premises in September of this year and is appealing for help to get it up and running.

A charity spokesman says that the site still needs vital work completing before they can begin helping animals in need but face many challenges.

The Leader previously reported that the charity was appealing for help from the public.

They added that they are 'struggling' as many people in North Wales do not know the site has been taken over but costs are 'spiralling every day' as more problems are discovered.

Anyone wishing to donate can do so online at www.jacksonsanimalrescue.co.uk/donate

The spokesman added: "We realise that our timing isn't great. We had been interested in this premises long before coronavirus, it just happened to come to fruition this summer. It was a huge, scary, terrifying leap to make, but it was an opportunity that we simply couldn't turn down.

"When we took it on, we hoped and prayed for a huge amount of public support, as we know that so many people would be happy to see the site used as it should be. We are struggling at the moment, and we really need your help to get the word out.

"We are currently on our second skip, £400 spent so far and that's barely scratched the surface. We are recycling and reusing everything that we can but most of the buildings and structures have just needed demolishing.

"There is no staff/volunteer toilet facility on site. Our builders will begin work on this next month, at a cost of around £3,000."

The rescue was due to open a charity shop in Shotton at the end of October, but due to the current restrictions this has now been postponed until November 10.

The spokesman went on to say: "We are asking from the bottom of our hearts, please help us to get the word out. If you can spare a few pounds donation, we would be incredibly grateful. We know how insanely difficult times are right now, and how uncertain the future is for everyone.

"To our wonderful Wirral supporters who worry that this won't benefit the animals of the Wirral, please rest assured that once we are up and running we will help all animals that we feasibly can, no matter the location, as always. We have been helping wildlife from the North Wales area for many years despite not being based here, nothing will change in that regard. This site simply allows us to do more."

The rescue's Amazon wishlist can be found online at https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/1FIA0D02HPT3Q