A toad patrol group near Alsager is famous – thanks to its co-ordinator, Jane Smith.

Jane, who lives in Alsager, wrote 'Crossings', an essay about Smallwood toad patrols and it's featured in a nature anthology just out.

'Crossings' is among the work listed in 'North Country' by Karen Lloyd which shows how people in the North have risen to the challenge of defending their open spaces.

Smallwood Toad Patrol co-ordinator, Jane Smith.

The essay was also a semi-finalist in the Van Der Mey Non-Fiction Prize (USA).

Jane, who set up Smallwood Toad patrols more than four years ago. to protect toads during the mating season.

Now more than 40 volunteers, ranging from eight years of age to 73 from as far away as Macclesfield but also Sandbach and Alsager help out with toad patrols during the mating season.

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They help the toads to cross roads in Cherry Lane, Alsager and Lawton Heath and Brookhouse Lane, Moss End Lane, Pitcher Lane, Mill Lane and Back Lane in Smallwood near Sandbach.

Jane said: "Published by Saraband Books, 'North Country' is already being raved about by booksellers, and importantly the inclusion of 'Crossings' means toads and their plight will reach a wider audience."

She said in a previous interview: "I'm happy that nature writing about toads being acknowledged in this way will raise awareness among a much wider audience – readers who may not ever have thought about toads' incredible lives."

Edited by Karen Lloyd, the book features nature pieces by poet laureate Simon Armitage, 'Birds Britannia' co-author Mark Cocker, novelist Sarah Hall, poet Lemn Sissay and others.

North Country is available to order in bookshops or via https://www.waterstones.com/book/9781913393403