Why did the toad cross the road? In the hope he would get to the other side of the road - but thousands across Kent don't make it.

Last year more than 11,000 toads, who might otherwise have been killed on the roads, were carried in buckets across the road by volunteers during breeding season.

Every year, in late February and March common toads wake up from hibernation and start migrating to their breeding ponds, returning to the same pond each year, but often crossing busy roads just after dark, which coincides with rush hour traffic.

The common toad is a declining species in the UK and the toll on the country's roads is adding to their decline.

Now volunteers from the Kent Reptile and Amphibian Group (KRAG) - a UK network of volunteers who, along with wildlife charity Froglife, co-ordinate people to help toads cross the road safely - are appealing for help to save the amphibian from further decline.

This year KRAG are looking to recruit new toad patrollers across Kent who can help with current crossings and also investigate new sites within the county which will be assessed to see if they are suitable to be registered for a toad patrol.

New volunteers need to have a little spare time in the evenings of early spring and a desire to make a real difference to local wildlife. You won't need any previous experience, and don't need to know anything about amphibians.

Kari McSherry from the group said: "Even just one hour of your evening can make a huge difference for the future of our local toad population."

Toad patrollers wear hi vis vests and use powerful torches.

Contact the group by emailing info@kentarg.org and follow them at @Kenttoadpatrol on Twitter. You can find out more about the group by visiting kentarg.org