TOAD patrollers are being sought to help Dursley's amphibians make it across dangerous roads to their mating spots.

Last spring around 1,700 amorous toads were saved from death on roads around the Stroud district.

Now Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust again needs more help from local people to patrol local roads as there are still unmanned crossings.

On their journey they are looking for love, so that they can breed once again back at the pond. Butmany don’t make it, and their 12 year lifespan is cut brutally short, due to traffic.

A Gloucestershire Wildlife spokesman said over 70 volunteer toad patrollers from all walks of life took part last year.

"It’s simple, patrollers head out on mild evenings between February and April, wearing a high visibility jacket to keep an eye on known toad crossings and help them across the road in a bucket," he said.

"It’s easy to take part and the trust runs optional training sessions to tell you all you need to know to become a ‘toad patroller!’ – we've already run a fantastic session at Richmond Village in Painswick that was attended by 35 people."

A similar training session is being planned at the Old Spot Inn in Dursley on Tuesday, February 11 from 6pm to 8pm.

The trust is also wanting to know of any toad crossing points near you and if you have time to help keep an eye on it, reporting when the toads are crossing.

It is estimated that over 20 tonnes of toads are killed on roads every year.

If you would like more information on how to become a toad patroller please contact Ellen Winter on ellen.winter@gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk or 01452 383333.