Toad's no role model

Just 14 per cent of voters chose the 'extrovert, enthusiastic' Mr Toad
Metro11 April 2012
The Weekender

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Despite his taste for fast cars and desirable position on the property ladder, Mr Toad has failed to make it as a top role model.

He was beaten by the more down-to-earth Ratty and Mole in a survey of Wind In The Willows characters.

The poll, based on Kenneth Grahame's classic story, is a boost for believers in traditional British reserve. Just 14 per cent chose the 'extrovert, enthusiastic, extravagant and totally outrageous' Toad.

But 'kind, good-hearted and hospitable' Ratty was picked by 32 per cent of people questioned by Mori. The 'gentle-natured if rather timid' Mole received 21 per cent support.

The survey, for the River and Rowing Museum in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, found more than a quarter of people saw Toad as an actor, while 16 per cent felt he was like a used car salesman.

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