Those living in Cumbria weren't treated to much of a summer this year, with the sun rarely making an appearance in what was a cold and wet few months. 

However, while the rain can certainly dampen our mood, it had a far bigger impact on the lives of some tadpoles living in Whitehaven.

While they were expected to change into frogs during the summer months, many have remained as tadpoles, due to the cold weather. 

Remarkably, tadpoles can control when they metamorphosise into frogs, but the speed of metamorphosis can be affected by the environment. For example, if there is a lot of food or the water is cold, tadpoles may delay their transformation. They may also speed up the process if they are in danger from predators.

Usually, the process is expected to take around 14 weeks, but it seems as if the tadpoles in west Cumbrian waters will be waiting for the warmer weather to hopefully return. 

Speaking on BBC Radio Cumbria, West Cumbria Rivers Trust director Jodie Mills explained why we might not see as many frogs in the next few months. 

She said: "We've got a brilliant lottery funded project over near Moresby Park and we have done some river restoration work there. We have actually seen the tadpoles in the little beck that we have restored there.

"Early on in the year, they decide whether they will still as tadpoles or metamorphosise into tiny baby frogs. It's not really that surprising, because it has been so cold. If a pond is really overcrowded and there's not enough food for them, they may stay as tadpoles.

"If it's too cold, then they might do as well. We are hoping that they survive over the winter and then they will be in a better position in the spring time. They will have a head start over the other tadpoles that will have spawned in the spring.

"Apparently they can freeze, so best of luck to them. It's always a good idea to crack the ice if your pond freezes over. Hopefully, it will be a better summer next year."