Taunton Toad Trail auction at Hestercombe House

A knot of 19 toads - knot is the collective noun for a group of toads - is going under the hammer at an auction to mark the end of one of the highlights of the area's summer.

Organisers hope the fibreglass amphibians, which have been on display all this week at Hestercombe, will fetch between £900 and £3,000 each.

The sale on Sunday (October 13) at 3pm will also see the winning number drawn of a raffle run over the summer to win a toad made from willow.

A total of 22 toads were placed at locations in and around Taunton, all funded by sponsoring businesses, three of whom decided to pay extra to keep their sculpture.

All profits from the trail and the auction will go to the League of Friends, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.

The charity has pledged to raise £300,000 towards the refurbishment of the Bracken Ward Birthing Centre at Musgrove, including a new birthing pool.

League of Friends chairman Peter Renshaw, who chaired the Taunton Toad Trail committee, said: "Reaction to the toad trail has been very positive with many people, particularly families with young children, really enjoying following the trail map over the summer holidays.

"The generous sponsors of toads have commented on increased visitors and sales, while many residents of Taunton taking part in the fun have discovered places they hadn't visited before.

"The toad trail exceeded all expectations in celebrating 60 years of the League of Friends and its support to Musgrove Park Hospital."

You can still donate to the appeal by sending a cheque payable to League of Friends Musgrove Park Hospital to The Treasurer, Church Barns, Hockworthy, Wellington TA21 0NW.

Alternatively donate online using the reference BRACKEN to sort code 30-98-45 account number 00890237.

The toad trail follows the Taunton Deane Dragon Trail of five years ago, when thousands of pounds were raised for a number of community projects in the area.