FORGET what the calendar says. Spring is definitely here. And it is also a leap year - in Valya Brigham's garden at least.

Valya was astonished to see her pond besieged by frogs. The mild weather has compelled them to seek out a significant other. Clearly the Heslington Lane water feature is considered the hottest place to meet like-minded amphibians who might wish to share a lily-pad.

If you believe in fairy tales, you might expect an eligible royal to be hidden among the croakers. But, as the saying goes, you have to kiss an awful lot of frogs before you find your prince.

Updated: 10:26 Wednesday, March 06, 2002