A WOMAN who runs a 'hedgehog hospital' from her home is hoping second time's a charm after being nominated for a community award.

Irene Cannon, 75, of Beckside Road, Dalton, has once again been nominated for a Heart of Ulverston Award for her continued dedication to protecting animals.

The Environmental Volunteer of the Year nominee runs Furness Hedgehog Rescue from her home, taking in dozens of wounded animals every year.

In 2017 alone she has taken in more than 100 animals, nursing them back to health before releasing them.

Mrs Cannon said: "I'm thrilled. I had 102 hedgehogs in over the winter; they hibernated with me. At the moment I have 47, 45 of which are babies."

For more than a decade Mrs Cannon has cared for the prickly creatures, with people across the county aware of the work she does.

She will take injured animals from across the area, never turning away a creature in need.

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Mrs Cannon recently had her 'hospital' building in her garden repaired free of charge by Ward Group, after they heard of the work she did.

She said: "They did a fantastic job free of charge; the shed will now last longer than me!"

After a nasty fall three months ago resulted in a broken shoulder, Mrs Cannon thought she "would have to pack it in" once and for all.

Fortunately, she is on the mend and more determined than ever to carry on her work.

She said: "It's really knocked me back, but I'm back to normal now."

If you want to nominate someone for a Heart of Ulverston Award, there is still time. To pick up a nomination form visit the Ulverston Town Council office next to the Coronation Hall, or click here.

Read more about Mrs Cannon:

A hedgehog rescuer is over the moon after her hospital was refurbished

Find out more about Mrs Cannon's 2016 HoU nomination