Businesses are being asked to sponsor 100 fibreglass toads in tribute to poet Philip Larkin.

The Larkin 25 Committee hopes to put the toads at spots across Hull – despite the council withdrawing its funding offer.

Now, members need to raise almost £200,000 through sponsorship.

Businesses are being asked to pledge around £2,750 per toad.

A spokesman for the Larkin 25 Committee, said: "The project is seeking support from organisations to help bring this exciting project to the streets of Hull this summer.

"Early indications are that businesses are very interested and we are hopeful of raising substantial funds."

Princes Quay Shopping Centre is the first business to sponsor a toad.

Mike Killoran, centre manager, believes the project – called Larkin with Toads – could help attract tourists into Hull.

He said: "The toads will attract tourists to the city. I believe businesses should put their name to it and the city will be rewarded as a result."

A similar project in Liverpool, involving models of lambs, brought in around £14m to the economy.

So far, 30 potential sponsors have expressed an interest in Hull.

Artists are beginning to submit their ideas to Artlink, in Princes Avenue, west Hull, which will select the best design.

As previously reported in the Mail, it is hoped the toads will be in their positions by July 17.

It would coincide with the return of the Clipper fleet to Hull after the round-the-world race.

An education project, which will involve children from every school in the city, has not been affected by the withdrawal of funding.

The Larkin 25 project, which will last 25 weeks, includes a broad programme of cultural events.

It will culminate on December 2, the 25th anniversary of Larkin's death, with the unveiling of a statue of the poet at Hull Paragon Station.

Hull City Council said it could not justify spending taxpayers' cash on the project, as previously reported.

Businesses interested in sponsoring one of the toads is asked to call the committee on (01482) 486540.