A wonderful way of bringing fun and surprise into the kids' daily walks, fostering community spirit and thanking the NHS - and allowing creative juices to flow!

That's the idea behind "Hampton Wick Rocks" - fun and engaging past-time that's capturing imaginations across Hampton Wick and Teddington and anyone can join in.

The idea is simple:

- find some lovely rocks that are crying out to be painted

- Hide them around Hampton Wick/Teddington - (remembering that the game is mostly designed for kids so nowhere too tricky!)

- Take your own photos of your rocks hiding and upload those clues to the Hampton Wick Rocks Facebook group or Instagram using #hamptonwickrocks

Some families have been doing this for a few weeks now and the fan-base is ever growing with more and more people joining in each day.

One of the organisers, Karen Tyler, said:"I've lived here for years but I've met and chatted to so many new people over the past few weeks - whether it be socially distant on the street or via social media. It's a great way of connecting especially during this bizarre time"

After seeing similar ideas done elsewhere, bringing Hampton Wick Rocks to life was the brainchild of local mum, called Mandy.

Mandy said:"This is something I've wanted to do for ages and realised lockdown was the perfect time and a way of uniting friends despite the distance."

Another rock painting fan said:"It's so much fun. The kids love choosing rocks and seeing their favourite characters and designs come to life.

"They leave them everywhere - at their favourite places around town like the library and favourite cafes as well as hidden in nooks in walls.

"We love leaving them on friends' doorsteps too. It's such a shame they can't see each other at the moment but leaving little treasures out for each other and sharing the pictures is a lovely way of them engaging.

"I'm enjoying it too, I decorate them when the kids are asleep and find it quite therapeutic and calming after a hectic day with the kids."

From Pokemon themed sets to Hey Duggee, Peppa Pig, Mr Men, Julia Donaldson and more there are so many wonderful creations hiding around there's definitely something for everyone!

Thanking both the NHS and people who have helped during the lockdown was one reason for introducing the game.

"I wanted to find a way of saying thanks and showing our appreciation" and so a collection or rocks appeared at Hampton wick surgery - a way of showing them we are grateful," said Karen.

"They're also something fun for visiting patients to see on their way in and you can't help but smile!

"That's now evolved into the creation of a rock snake - a chain of rocks outside the sign for the surgery.

"These ones aren't for re-hiding. We'd love people to add a rock to the snake and see how long we can get it!"

Another local said:"The rocks are great, such a fun game for the kids and we love seeing them out and about. There's usually one on certain doorsteps on the high street and we look each day to see what's there.

"It really sparks joy to see the rocks and the kids squealing with excitement when they see one. I might even get my paints out and add one to the mix."

"Anyone can get involved, whether you add your own rocks, re-hide any you come across or just admire these fun little rocks as you walk past. We hope they bring a smile to your face."

A count up of the decorated rocks on the Facebook page and there are over 300 rocks in circulation now.

"Unfortunately some go missing and are never seen again but we still do see some of the original rocks out and about in weird and wonderful hiding places. I understand people may want to take the rocks as some are real works of art. And that's ok for a little while. but please do put them back into circulation afterward. Better still, add another!"

So, grab your pens and paint sets and get creative! We'd love to see your rock pics added to the collection.

#hamptonwickrocks on Instagram