South Derbyshire is rocking with a brand new outdoor craze - with 5,000 members signed up online in just four weeks.

Derbyshire Rocks is an internet-based group for people who decorate their own rocks with paint, googly eyes or glitter, and hide them in parks across the county.

Derby City Council worker Sarah Swindell set up the page after seeing the success of a similar project in Cleethorpes. The 44-year-old said: "We were up to 1,800 members in four days. I'm shocked to see how fast it seems to have rocketed.

Four-year-old Jack has been hunting for the decorative rocks

"We had a really bad summer so it's something you can do with your children on a rainy day and, when the sun shines, you can go out and hide them."

The decorative rocks have been spotted hiding in parks in Swadlincote, Etwall, Hilton and many others.

Mrs Swindell said painting a rainbow on the rocks was popular and she had seen many different designs, including unicorns, flags, faces, Minions or phrases such as 'smile and be happy'.

She said: "One lady has done a cat and an owl, but my favourite are the ones that the children have done - they are not of any particular design, just kids putting paints on a rock, but it's all about getting them involved in something.

Residents have been painting rocks and hiding them in various locations across the county

"Most of the feedback we have had is people asking why they didn't know about it at the start of the summer holidays.

"People are becoming more active and they are looking for more things to do outdoors."

How to join in with Derbyshire Rocks

Residents have taken the opportunity to get creative

Mrs Swindell, who is married to Rolls-Royce worker Paul and has a four-year-old son called Jack, has written a short step-by-step guide on how to get involved.

  1. Find a rock or stone. You can buy a large bag from any DIY store or The Range for about £5, so share a bag with a friend.
  2. Paint your stone with acrylic paints (The Pound Shop, Wilko, Home Bargains etc) or nail polish, or draw on them with Sharpies.
  3. Acrylics and nail polish don't need sealing, but Sharpies do. Wilko sells a spray lacquer for £3.49 or any varnish or clear nail polish will do the trick.
  4. Write on the back 'Post a pic on FB Derbyshire Rocks. Keep or rehide' or something similar. You can add your name, age, location, date, or anything you like. Make sure you seal the writing so it doesn't run or disappear.
  5. Go to your local area and hide them!
  6. Keep your eyes peeled for rocks hidden by others and if you find one - post a photo to this page #derbyshirerocks

To find out more about Derbyshire Rocks, visit their Facebook page.

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