Mrs Tiggy-Winkle is a firm favourite when it comes to Beatrix Potter stories. She is not mischievous like Peter Rabbit or cheeky like Squirrel Nutkin but she is just as lovable and entertaining. However, although the twinkley-eyed hedgehog is much loved in literature, in real life her species is declining rapidly.

If the thought of hedgehogs dying out fills you with despair, why not go along to Carshalton Library's Mrs Tiggy-Winkle and Friends day on September 30 to learn more about how you can help.

Organised by the library in The Square and animal charity London Wildcare in Beddington Park, the aim of the day is to introduce children and parents to a very special hedgehog and teach them how to help preserve this animal.

Jackie Beer, animal care assistant at London Wildcare, said: "There are two things that we want to get across to people at this talk. Firstly, that hedgehogs are not dangerous and will not attack children if they are in the garden. If anything, they act like a non-chemical pesticide and are good for the garden.

"Secondly, hedgehogs are in decline but there are things that people can do to stop them from dying out. They are a native animal and need to be preserved."

She added: "Our lovely stage hedgehog Misty will come with us to the library. She lives in the animal hospital with us because she is blind and always comes along to these events so she is very used to human company."

The event, which starts at 2.30pm, costs £1 for adults but is free for children and everyone will have a chance to meet Misty. Not only will the event educate children on how they can help look after the hedgehog population in Sutton, it will also introduce them to an animal that is probably living in their garden.

Helen Viola, manager of Carshalton Library, said: "It is basically a talk about how you can help to look after the hedgehogs in your area. I approached London Wildcare with the idea of doing the talk because I just love every kind of animal and think they are really interesting to learn about."

The rundown on hedgehogs What? Mrs Tiggy-winkle and Friends Day.

Where? Carshalton Library in The Square, Carshalton.

When? Saturday, September 30, from 2.30pm until 4pm.

Who? Everyone, but children must be accompanied by adults.

Cost? Entry is free for children and £1 for adults.

For more information call 020 8647 1151.

For even more comprehensive coverage of local and regional news visit yourlocalguardian.co.uk.