STAFF at a Wirral primary found an unexpected little visitor hidden in a box of bananas they had opened up for pupils.

A tiny frog was found hidden in a bunch of bananas by teachers at Heswall Primary School on Tuesday morning. 

The amphibian is said to have travelled nearly 5,000 miles from the Ivory Coast in Africa to Wirral.

It was kept safe in a damp container and collected by RSPCA inspector Anthony Joynes, who has found him a home with a specialist keeper.

Deputy headteacher Nicky Bolton told the Globe today: "No one expected to find a tiny green stowaway in the class bananas when they opened them yesterday morning!

"A tiny green frog was hiding inside the packaging, which had travelled all the way from the Ivory Coast in Africa.

"After resting quietly for the morning in a damp container, he was collected by RSPCA officer, Anthony Joynes, who has already found him a new home with a specialist keeper. The children are eagerly waiting to find out what species he is!"

In a tweet, Inspector Joynes praised staff at the school for keeping the frog safe. He said: "Collected this little fella today from @HeswallPrimary school, having been found on a bunch of snack-time Bananas! Has travelled from the Ivory Coast.

"Awaiting official ID but a very small species of tree frog I think. He’s now with a specialist keeper. @RSPCA_official

"Thanks to @HeswallPrimary staff for looking after the little [frog emoji] until he could be collected.

"Providing a small enclosure, with moisture, warmth & a hiding place was spot on!"