ANIMAL-lovers have come out in force to volunteer to carry toads across a busy road at Cod Beck Reservoir, near Osmotherley.

Hundreds of the migrating amphibians have been squashed by traffic in previous years, so volunteers were called for to carry them safely across the road in buckets.

Last week, the North York Moors National Park and National Trust appealed for help.

This week, there was an excellent response from volunteers who met organisers at the Queen Catherine pub on Tuesday night.

National park ecologist Rhona Charles, National Trust warden Zoe Frank and Hutton Rudby man George MacDonald initiated the scheme.

Mrs Charles said: "I was overwhelmed by the tremendous response. There were between 20-30 people at the meeting.

"We now have five co-ordinators who will decide when the toad patrols should take place, based on weather conditions at night."

Toads cross the road on mild, damp evenings to breed in the reservoir.

"I just hope that the level of enthusiasm shown in the pub manages to show itself during damp evenings at the reservoir," she quipped.

"I think people's attitudes to wildlife is more sophisticated than it used to be. In the past, people were perhaps keen on furry, cuddly animals, and less interested in amphibians. Now, the public realises that superficially ugly species are equally important and fascinating."

Additional volunteers can still take part by calling Mrs Charles on 01439 770657.