By Editor Peter Barron

THE Northern Echo is a family newspaper so it's important that we err on the side of decency when it comes to the delicate subject of sex.

However, I admit to being taken aback when I received an impassioned complaint from a female reader in Gainford, who was hopping mad over the paper's recent decision to publish a photograph of two toads mating.

The picture, of common toads attempting to cross the road to reach Cod Beck Reservoir in Osmotherley, was taken by toad patrol volunteer Dave Pressland, of Thirsk, and it earned him a British Wildlife Photography Award.

However, my complainant strongly suggested that it was "inappropriate" to publish such a picture where young children might see it.

Well, naturally, I wouldn't print a photograph of two humans engaged in sexual activity on a public highway but I considered a pair of toads mating in the wild to be perfectly acceptable from an educational perspective.

That said, I take all feedback seriously so I launched a reader survey via social media to check my instincts and I'm relieved to say that the decision to show the photograph of the amorous amphibians has received overwhelming support.

Indeed, the innocence amongst Northern Echo readers has really been quite touching. Jill Easton, of Darlington, commented: "Are we sure they're mating anyway? They could be playing leap-frog."

No, Jill, they weren't.

Dani Moore, also of Darlington, added: "I genuinely thought the top one was just getting a piggy-back."

No, Dani, believe me, the male toad only had one thing on his mind – just look at his face.

Anyway, together, I think we've reached the right conclusion: this wasn't frogs porn.