MAJOR Adrian Coles, one of the best-known figures in south Shropshire politics and the founder of a national Ludlow-based hedgehog charity has died at the age of 86.

Major Adrian Coles MBE, who became nationally known as Major Hedgehog, founded the British Hedgehog Preservation Society in 1982 and was instrumental in giving the hedgehog the high profile that it now enjoys.

The society has 11,000 members, publishes regular newsletters and works tirelessly to improve awareness of the plight of the hedgehog.

Major Coles was also a Shropshire County Councillor, civic head and chairman, former chairman of his local South Shropshire District Council and former chairman of his parish council.

He was well known to Members of Parliament for his campaigns to help the hedgehog, had appeared many times on television and given countless radio broadcasts.

He was awarded an MBE for his services to the community on 2000, was an Honorary Alderman of South Shropshire and was a Freeman of the City of London.

“We are deeply saddened by loss of someone who did so much for hedgehogs,” said Fay Vass, chief executive of the Hedgehog Preservation Society.

“The society owes a debt of gratitude to Adrian, who leaves our thriving active charity as a legacy to us all. Our work will continue - that is what Major Hedgehog would have wished.”

He lived in Clee but moved to London following the death of his wife several years ago and became a Chelsea Pensioner, donning the famous scarlet coat with pride.

Major Coles died peacefully at Royal Hospital Chelsea on Thursday, March 23, aged 86.