A local photographer and toad patrol volunteer has scooped a prize and has her photograph on display in a local exhibition.

Talented lens woman, Rebecca Wells from Mow Cop, is one of the winners in a prestigious RSPCA photography competition with her entry entitled 'Moonlight Pilgrimage'.

Rebecca is a member of Smallwood Toad Patrols here whose co-ordinator and founder is former Alsager town councillor Jane Smith, deputy leader of the Animal Welfare Party and an Alsager resident.

The patrols, which ensure the local toad population is kept safe when toads return to their natal ponds during the mating season, take place in Church Lawton, Smallwood and Middlewich. 

The beautiful portrait of a common toad traversing Mill Lane in Smallwood was taken by Rebecca at one of the group's registered crossings.

Jane Smith is co-ordinator and founder of the local patrol groups. (Photo: Nub News)

Jane Smith said: "We're so proud of all our patrollers, and for all sorts of reasons.

"Often their love and respect for toads takes them into areas outside of actual patrolling - and that's the case here, where our very own Rebecca Wells has won a prestigious RSPCA photography competition. Bravo Rebecca."

Rebecca's photo is on show at the Nantwich Museum until 16th March, and it will also appear on RSPCA Stapeley Grange's 2025 calendar - spreading the love for toads to an even wider audience.

The competition celebrates the 200 years since the RSPCA was first founded and 30 years since Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre and Cattery near Nantwich opened its doors,  

Hundreds of entries were submitted for the competition. Hannah Norris, Education Officer at Stapeley Grange, said: "It's been wonderful to celebrate our work through photography and we were overwhelmed by the number of entries we received.  

"The exhibition really caught the imagination of our supporters, the local community and photographers from further afield. 

"The standard was extremely high and the love and enjoyment people get from animals and the natural world really shone through." 

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