This adorable footage shows the moment a hedgehog went for an unexpected dip - as it swam through over six INCHES of rain water in search of dry land.

The sweet animal seemed unfazed by its soggy surroundings as it waded through the water, before quickly clambering up some steps onto a dryer patio area - and shook itself off like a puppy.

The hedgehog then quickly scuttled off to take refuge from the pouring rain under a canopy of plants.

The animal was spotted last week by retired headteacher Toby Wood, 69, in his garden in Dogsthorpe in Peterborough, Cambs.

He said: "We had really incredible rain last week, I've never seen anything like it. The garden flooded, there must have been about six to eight inches of water.

"And then all of a sudden the little hedgehog appeared, wading its way through the garden. It really was like an Olympic swim for the poor thing.

"Then after it made its way up the steps, it gave itself a little shake off, like a puppy. It was quite sweet."

Toby added that the hedgehog has been a regular visitor to his garden for the last year or so, showing up around 9.30pm each evening and taking the same route around the garden.