A group set up to help toads safely cross roads near Sandbach during the mating season has had its first meeting to greet new volunteers.

Smallwood Toad Patrols was set up four years ago after co-ordinator and Alsager Town councillor Jane Smith was out walking her dogs one day and spotted dead toads in the road.

Now around 15 new volunteers have come forward to help out with the start of the new season thanks to an article in Nub News.

We ran a story last month in our sister site here. telling how more than 40 volunteers, ranging from eight years of age to 73 from as far away as Macclesfield and Stoke-on-Trent but also Sandbach and Alsager are part of the group.

The new cohort of volunteers attended an introductory meeting at The Legs of Man in Smallwood last night (Monday) before going out to look at the area the group patrols.

Former RSPCA employee, Lark Lane-Owen and her mum Angela Lane who live in Sandbach have joined the new cohort of volunteers.

Both are passionate about wildlife and are looking forward to helping the project.

They told Nub News: "We read about it on Facebook and are looking forward to getting involved in such a worthwhile project."

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Co-ordinator, Jane Smith was delighted with last night's turnout.

She said: "Just one extra patroller makes all the difference. All this interest gives so much hope and helps us drive forward."

The patrol volunteers work in Cherry Lane, Alsager and Lawton Heath and Brookhouse Lane, Moss End Lane, Pitcher Lane, Mill Lane and Back Lane in Smallwood.

Last year, their "record" night of helping toads across the road to safety was late March. In total, they helped 820 toads across the roads last year during their patrols which begin at the end of February until mid-April.