Four-year-old Rufus Minnett has become the youngest ever member of Ely Wildlife Watch to win The Wildlife Trust’s ‘Hedgehog Award’.

Wildlife Watch is the junior branch of The Wildlife Trust and the Ely group is open to children aged 12 and under.

The group meets once a month in and around Pocket Park and Roswell Pits exploring a different wildlife theme each month.

The Wildlife Watch Hedgehog Award encourages children to explore nature in different ways by taking on a series of challenges, including building an insect habitat, growing flowers for bees and butterflies, attending Wildlife Watch events or making a model of a wild animal.

By completing eight different wildlife activities, Rufus was awarded his certificate and badge at Ely Wildlife Watch’s pond dipping event this month.

Jo Evans, Ely Wildlife Watch leader, said: “We are so proud of Rufus and his excitement for wildlife; he’s definitely a budding nature enthusiast.

“The Wildlife Trust Hedgehog Awards give children the opportunity to engage with the natural world in a fun way through learning, making, thinking and doing.

“It’s great that Rufus has completed the wildlife challenges at such a young age.”

For more information follow the Ely Wildlife Watch group on Facebook or call Clive Baker on 01353 610224.

The next event is mini beast hunting on July 15 from 2pm to 4pm. The group will meet at Fisherman’s car park and all are welcome.