A family of smelly hedgehogs have been given their marching orders after nesting in a couple's kitchen.

The uninvited guests walked into the Morland's family home through a cat flap and have been squatting there for three weeks.

Since their arrival the animals have made themselves at home - helping themselves to the cat food and wandering around as though they owned the place.

Retired Ann Morland, of Meeching Road, Newhaven, said: "We have tolerated them until now because they are lovely but I am afraid they absolutely stink.

"We have four cats and they were starting to get a bit put out by the hedgehogs eating their food. But the cats just sat and watched them."

She added: "I will be sorry to see them go. If they didn't smell so much I'd have let them stay."

The East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service was called out to remove the creatures.