FLORISTS preparing bouquets for Valentine’s Day had a shock when they discovered a tiny frog nestled among the petals of a delivery of exotic flowers from Africa.

The colourful amphibian had travelled 3,000 miles from the Ivory Coast in a bunch of heliconias before being discovered by staff at Easthams Secret Garden florists in Whalley New Road, Blackburn.

Shop manager Joanne Woods said: “I was just about to start arranging the stems for Valentine’s Day orders when I found the little frog.

“It was quite a surprise and is definitely a first for us.

“I carefully caught it in a glass vase and called the RSPCA.”

Nina Small, RSPCA inspector, said the frog was very well camouflaged amongst the orange and red heliconias.

She said: “Thankfully, the florists spotted the stowaway and called us to help, otherwise, the frog could have gone unnoticed and may not have survived.

“A local lady might have had quite the shock when she received a surprise bouquet from her secret admirer on Valentine’s Day.

“It could have brought a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince.’”

The 3cm-long frog, which is thought to be a type of African reed frog, has now been taken to a reptile rescue organisation in West Yorkshire for specialist care.

Inspector Small said: “This little frog must have been exhausted and dehydrated when he arrived.

“Amphibians are also very susceptible to toxic chemicals and can absorb them through their skin so it was really important to get the specialist care as soon as possible.

“It’s certainly a ribbeting tale and I’m glad it has a happy ending, and this frog will now receive the right care.”

To support the RSPCA's Valentine Day appeal visit: www.rspca.org.uk/give or text LOVE to 87023 to give £3.