A HIGHLIGHT of many people’s summers in 2019, Taunton’s toad trail, ended on this week five years ago.

In total, there were 22 fibreglass amphibians that people needed to look out for.

People were able to buy trail maps to track down the various toads following the launch of the initiative in the Orchard Shopping Centre in July.

The toads were sponsored by local companies - some of the firms paid extra so they can keep theirs, while others were auctioned off to the highest bidders.

It is thought that the success of the first Gromit Unleashed trail, held for 2 months in 2013, was a huge factor in bringing the toad trail to Taunton.

Gromit Unleashed was held in Bristol and featured 80 Gromit sculptures designed by artists, celebrities and designers.

The trail was a collaboration between Aardman Animations and Bristol to raise money for Bristol’s Children’s Hospital.

Some designers included Sir Quentin Blake, Nick Park, and Cath Kidston.

After the Taunton toad trail had come to an end, the toads were auctioned off in support of the League of Friends at Musgrove Park Hospital.

The league was celebrating its 60th anniversary at the time as they looked to raise around £300,000 to refurbish the Bracken Ward Birthing Centre at the hospital.

In total over £15,000 was raised for the charity.

The toad trail also follows the Taunton Deane Dragon Trail from 2014, where thousands of pounds were raised.

Peter Renshaw, chairman of the Taunton Toad Trail committee at the time, said: "Many people have commented on how much they have enjoyed doing the trail, which also brought visitors to Taunton.