McDonalds has long been a plague on the waistlines of millions. This week a pricklier opposition has prompted action by the global chain. Packaging of the McFlurry ice-cream provides an inlet just big enough to accommodate the head of a hedgehog; trapping it and leading to death by starvation. In a statement McDonalds assured animal lovers that from the 1st September this will be change. As a result of "significant research and design testing" a smaller hole, which prevents access to hungry hedgehogs, will be used.

The British Hedgehog Preservation Society who championed the animal's cause celebrated the changes, though added that they were 'long overdue.' It is good to know that indulging a sweet-tooth will not be so perilous for our woodland friends.