An albino hedgehog has become an internet star after its Japanese owner posted these adorable pictures of her pet online.

Owner Tokiko Kojima, from Tokyo in Japan, had initially only taken photographs of her two hedgehogs, one regular and one albino, for her friends to see.

But the adorable images of the pets, showing them playing around at home, proved an instant hit and were widely shared.

Tokiko, 25, told a local radio station that the roly-poly animals, who are used to human company, refuse to hibernate and enjoy a diet of ham and milk.

She said: 'They have a personality of their own that simply shines out. They don't need any tricks to show how adorable they are.'