Nelson the rescued hedgehog stole the attentions of child visitors to last Sunday's open day at South Norwood Country Park.

He is cared for by David Gawn, who works as field operations manager of Wallington-based Wildcare, a centre which cares for injured wildlife including badgers, foxes, swans and geese.

A spokesman for the centre in Beddington Park, Church Road, said: "Nelson was brought in with just one eye, which was itself infected.

"He's on antibiotics and once it's healed he'll be released into a safe garden, or if we can't save his eye he'll be kept here in our hedgehog garden."

The garden is currently a home to about eight other hedgehogs. Also being nursed at the centre are up to 80 fox cubs.

The aim of the event on May 12, was to highlight the significance of South Norwood Park as both a public space and wildlife haven.

Attractions included bird box making, face painting, guided walks and woodland crafts.

Visitors also had the chance to find out about the Friends of South Norwood Country Park, British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, Spa Hill Organic Growers and Croydon RSPB.

Croydon Council's director of cultural services, Steve Halsey, said: "The event was an ideal chance for visitors of all ages to enjoy the park and to learn more about the beauty of the natural environment for wildlife an plants."