Frogmarched to safety

NATURE-LOVERS in Saddleworth and leaping to the rescue of a species in danger with their annual toad patrol.

Locals are donning fluorescent jackets and carrying out a rescue mission under the cover of darkness to help thousands of toads safely across the busy Chew Valley Road in Greenfield.

The toad team is being led by Tesco’s community champion and former village postmaster Greg Barratt, who will lead his caring army every night for the next two weeks.

He said: “With the milder spring weather we are expecting to help maybe up to 2,000 toads.

“They always go back to breed in the ponds where they were born and in this case it takes them across the main Chew Valley Road. They have been doing it for generations.

“Our Toad Patrol has been going for seven years now and we have rescued thousands of them. It’s great fun as well .”

The nocturnal amphibians usually surface between 7pm and 9pm, and attempt to waddle across the main road when traffic can be at its busiest.

Tesco is showing every little helps by providing equipment and special toad patrol signs.