The toads are back in time for the breeding season

Hempshill Pond in Nuthall, on the outskirts of Nottingham was created in the 60s to allow excess water to drain off the M1.

But since then it has become a haven for toads.

The Highways Agency undertook the clean-up operation when the pond became stagnant and full of silt.

"It was very badly silted up to within about six inches of the surface of the water", said spokesman David Griffiths.

"We had to clean out something in the region of about 2,000 tonnes of material and cart that from the site."

The toads have now been restored to their home - just in time for the breeding season.