A procession of randy toads is the reason Church Road in Ham is currently closed to all traffic.

The toads will soon be making their annual journey from Ham Common to the ponds on the other side of the road to breed and lay their eggs.

To keep them safe from cars, Church Road will be closed between Ham Gate Avenue and Latchmere Lane until March 29.

Councillor Peter Buckwell, cabinet member for highways, said: “Our green spaces and lively wildlife habitats make our borough so special. We all have a responsibility to make sure this is sustained.

“This migration is driven by the weather as the toads like warm, wet conditions. So whilst it will be difficult for us to predict exact dates and times, we will do our best to avoid inconvenience for the public.

"I would like to thank the residents in the area for their understanding and hope that they go out and watch the toads on their daily journey.”

Temporary signs were put up by Richmond Council to warn drivers about the migration and all residents in the area have been notified by post.

There is a diversion to avoid the closed road, which is via Ham Gate Avenue, Upper Ham Road and Church Road.