Motorists have been trumped by toads for the fourth year in a row, after a road was closed to allow them to cross.

Each year the council leaps to the aid of the animals by shutting off part of Church Road in Ham, to allow the toads to reach their hole - a breeding pond 330ft away.

Councillor Chris Harrison, Richmond Council’s cabinet member for highways, said: “I hope residents enjoy the spectacle of the toads as they go about their journey and would like to thank residents for their understanding as to why it is essential to temporarily close the road.”

The road has been closed between Ham Gate Avenue and Wilmer House.

It will re-open on Friday, April 4 at 10am.