LOVESICK toads are being given a helping hand as they set off on a dangerous quest for romance.

Volunteers are being recruited to carry the amorous amphibians across the busy Broadwindsor to Drimpton road so they can reach their breeding lakes at Sandpit in safety.

Each February they set off on their perilous journey in search of a mate – but sadly all too many perish, squashed beneath the wheels of passing cars and trucks along the B3162.

But now as part of a national campaign to save the Common Toad local residents are again preparing to smooth the path of true love by transporting them across the highway.

Rodney Butler who helps with crossing duties every year said: “Our Toad Patrol has been going 10 years, and over this time we’ve rescued hundreds of toads. It’s really good fun and great to know we’re helping the plight of toads in the area.

“On a warm night during the breeding season we get about 40 trying to cross the road here and if we are not out there to help them around half can get run over. The trouble is their freeze when they see headlights coming and drivers think they are just stones and run them over. We don’t get so many when its cold – like humans they’re not so amorous then.”

Mr Butler says they are eager to get more volunteers and they want to hear from people with an interest in helping the unusual and charismatic amphibians for a few nights this month and next.

Anyone willing to lend a hand should call him on 01308 868319.

** The Common Toad - a charismatic amphibian with warty skin and waddling gait - is thought to be experiencing declines in the UK, in some cases caused by the effect of road traffic as toads travel slowly back to breeding ponds, often used for generations.

These local volunteers are part of a national campaign called ‘Toads on Roads’, co-ordinated by the national wildlife charity Froglife, and supported by ARG UK, a national network of volunteer groups concerned with amphibian and reptile conservation. Over the coming weeks, 1,000 volunteers will be gearing up to help toads across the UK’s roads, in a co-ordinated effort to help save the charming animal from further declines.

Other Toad Patrols exist in Dorset, details of which can be found on the Froglife website (www.froglife.org) – for more details: info@froglife.org or call 01733 558844.