HUNDREDS of pounds have been raised to help endangered frogs.

Visitors to Paignton Zoo and Living Coasts took park in frog-themed activities in support of amphibian conservation around the world.

During May half-term there was a lily pad leap, where adults and children could leap along a line of lily pads.

Visitors made a variety of frog themed arts and crafts items, while children from the Gibbon Club — junior zoo members — took part in a sponsored leap that raised more than £170.

Paignton Zoo educator, Ruth Young, said: "We've been raising money and raising smiles. Our giant frog money box proved very popular — visitors love feeding him."

Ruth visited Malborough with South Huish Primary School, near Kingsbridge, to talk to the children about the frog campaign.

"The school raised more than £270 during its eco-week, which was brilliant. Thank you to everyone at the school."

Wild Week at Paignton Zoo, the new name for the popular August summer school, devoted a whole day each week to frog-themed things, including leaping where children managed more than 800 leaps in five minutes and raised more than £40 in donations from friends and families.

The youngsters also went on a 'froggy picnic' with edible frogspawn and decorated frog biscuits and played frog-themed games.

The European Association of Zoos and Aquarian Amphibian Alarm campaign is raising awareness of the plight of frog species around the world.

Paignton Zoo and Living Coasts, both registered charities, pledged £3,000 towards the campaign.

Paignton Zoo aims to make room for extra captive breeding of endangered amphibians.

Neil Bemment, director of operations and curator of mammals, said: "We will be drawing up plans to re-vamp the Ark, one of our older exhibits, into an amphibian facility."

For more details, log on to www.paigntonzoo.org.uk or call 01803 697500.