EVERY child in Southampton is discovering the glorious adventures of Toad, Mole, Ratty and Badger as copies of The Wind in the Willows arrive at their schools this week.

Copies of Kenneth Grahame's wild tale about the thrill-seeking, lovable menace Mr Toad are being sent to each school in the city by the producers of the new stage musical based on the book.

Year five pupils at Springhill School in Milton Road are already enjoying reading about a series of adventures and misadventures caused by Toad's insatiable need for speed.

Brought to the stage by Downton Abbey creator and Oscar-winning writer Julian Fellowes and Oliver Award winning composer and lyricist team George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, The Wind in the Willows is at Mayflower Theatre on its world premiere tour from November 10 to 20.

Imprisoned for theft and with his existence under threat from the inhabitants of the Wild Wood, Toad must attempt a daring escape to defend Toad Hall.

Comedian, actor and presenter Rufus Hound will star as the lovable menace Mr Toad.