THE great and good are flocking to Northwich for this year’s must-have designer Christmas present.

African pygmy hedgehogs are the latest pet craze for fashionistas and Cheshire Waterlife, based at Blakemere Craft Centre, has a whole host of them waiting for new homes.

Would-be owners of the five-inch long mini-hedgehogs, each with a £250 price tag, are travelling to Northwich from as far afield as Ipswich and the Scottish borders.

Steve Birchall, owner of Cheshire Waterlife, said: “We’ve been astounded at the popularity of these cute little creatures.

“I bought a number of the hedgehogs from a breeder who I met a few months ago little realising how popular they were set to become.

“Apparently they are all the range among the WAGS because they are cute, they love being handled and they will sit quite happily in a handbag.

“What’s more they are also inexpensive to keep, feeding on cat-food.

“And they’re obviously popular as we’ve seen customers travel the length and breadth of the country to get here and buy one.”

The little creatures are a variety of colours, from albino to apricot and chocolate to salt and pepper.

Diana Mather, Cheshire-based style-guru and etiquette expert, said: “These lovely little animals should make a perfect present for the trend setter who has everything.

“They’re ideal for designer mums to give to their children.

“The African pygmy hedgehog is a delightful little creature which is increasingly seen gracing designer kitchens and peeping out from the handbags of our fashionistas.

“Advising people on animal etiquette is becoming more frequent as new designer pets come on the market.

“Charming as African pygmy hedgehogs are, if you are going to tote them around in your handbag, it is good manners to ask whether your friends are happy to have them as an extra guest – especially if they have dogs in the house.”