In a sure sign that COVID travel restrictions are easing, yesterday a small frog ended a 5000 mile journey from the western coast of Africa when it disembarked from a box of bananas - in Heswall Primary School.

As pupils prepared for snack time, the tiny amphibian was discovered.

The school broke the big news on twitter: "There was a banana drama at Heswall Primary today! A tiny green stowaway from the Ivory Coast gave us a real shock when we opened the class bananas this morning!"

Perhaps in consultation with a top Ivory Coast travel agent, the frog had chosen its destination wisely, because Heswall Primary is just one of twelve Eco-Ambassador Schools nationwide, and therefore likely to be full of pupils and teachers who knew exactly what to do with a cold blooded - in the nice sense of the words - traveller from afar.

The frog was placed in a safe, damp container where it just chilled out until collected by RSPCA Inspector Anthony Joynes, who set out to find the creature a suitable forever home.

Also on twitter Anthony wrote: "Collected this little fella today from @HeswallPrimary school, having been found on a bunch of snack-time Bananas!

"Has travelled from the Ivory Coast Awaiting official ID but a very small species of tree frog I think. He's now with a specialist keeper."

Anthony added: "Thanks to @HeswallPrimary staff for looking after the little 🸠until he could be collected. Providing a small enclosure, with moisture, warmth & a hiding place was spot on! ðŸ'"