Larkin set to become the toad of toad mall

Larkin with Toads, which is part of a series of events celebrating the work of the poet, launches on July 17 to coincide with the return of the Clipper yacht fleet.

The designs have been created in honour of his poems, Toads and Toads Revisited.

The first business to take on a 2,750 toad, Mike Killoran from the city's Princes Quay shopping centre, chose one of designs cunningly disguised as the poet.

The Prospect Centre plumped for Kiss me Quick by Stephen McKay – a white toad covered in big red lipstick kisses.

St Stephen's chose a design inspired by Hull's two Super League rugby teams, Eastwest by Sarah Daniels, with one half decked out in red and white stripes, the other black and white, with both sides divided by a "river".

Mr Killoran said: "We thought that a toad that looked like Larkin was not only a bit of fun, but helps make the link with the whole project.

"We not only hope that people will get to appreciate that the nation's favourite poet lived in and was inspired by Hull, but also that the whole project will bring more visitors into the city.

"I would encourage more stores and businesses to get behind this and make it a huge success."

The project has refused to croak despite Hull Council pulling 200,000 of funding and organisers are aiming to have at least 40 toads which will be auctioned for charity.

Anyone who wants to sponsor a toad can call 01482 486450.