LIFE is quite literally hopping back to Barracks Lodge.

The once under-threat wildlife haven, which was systematically destroyed by developers, is now teeming with a rich variety of amphibians and birds as well as flourishing with flora and fauna.

And to highlight the rebirth of the lodge at the rear of the Newington Drive in Bury, a production crew from the BBC popped in on Monday night (April 2) to film a feature for Rolf Harris's popular Animal Hospital TV show.

Environmentalist Mick Wellock was one of the main campaigners who helped protect the Barracks Lodge from a local development company.

He said: "The show's producers wanted to do a film about toads on roads and they weren't short of amphibious stars for the feature.

"They captured 34 toads, 15 frogs, five smooth newts and a great crested newt crossing the surrounding roads as they made their way to the lodge. It was a wonderful sight."

Mr Wellock, of Newington Drive, added: "The lodge has been transformed and wildlife and nature are being allowed to flourish unhindered."

The Bury lodge is expected to feature in the hit BBC show in two weeks.