THE day has finally arrived - don't forget Taunton Toad Trail launches today (Saturday).

A total of 22 fibreglass toads are being dotted around the town and the surrounding area and they'll be there for the next two months.

People are being encouraged to track them down by following the trail on a map.

You can get your map at the trail launch today at the Orchard Shopping Centre from 12 noon until 3pm.

There's plenty of family fun planned for the event, which will be overseen by Taunton Mayor Cllr Fran Smith accompanied by toad designers Patricia Hewlett and Harvey Yarde. Dionne John, Mrs Somerset 2019/20, will also be in attendance.

One of the big attractions will be the painting of Lippy Toad with Go Create - a group of creative people living or working in the Taunton Deane area who want to work together to create art events - helped by members of the public.

The Pauline Quirke Academy will be performing flash mobs and dancing on stage at 1.30pm.

And Limelight Theatre will be performing songs from their upcoming play Robin Hood.

A variety of toad merchandise will be on sale, while there will be badge making and toad moulds on offer.

The launch event will also feature free face painting with Go Create.

Following this weekend's fun, the Taunton Toad Trail will run for two months until Friday, September 13, helping to occupy children and grown ups alike over the long school summer holidays.

Taunton Toad Trail has been organised to coincide with the 60 anniversary this year of The League of Friends of Musgrove Park Hospital.

Profits from the trail will be used to fund improvements at the Bracken Birthing Centre at Musgrove, a new birthing pool and improved facilities at the hospital.

The 22 toads have been sponsored by local businesses and organisations.

At the end of the summer trail, the toads that haven't been bought by their sponsors will be auctioned off.

The sale will be run by Greenslade Taylor Hunt, the first company to order a toad.

One lucky person will be able to claim a free toad as part of a draw running alongside the trail - you'll be able to buy tickets at the launch event.

The prize is the Willow Toad, which has been created by Coates English Willow Centre, of Stoke St Gregory.