An artist has been leaving his work hidden in public places for people to find.

Doug Shaw, a management consultant  by trade, began planting pictures across Wallington and Carshalton as a way to reach out to the community.

Despite having lived in the area for most of his life, Mr Shaw admitted he knew little about the community and the area and started the project to feel a deeper connection to it.

The 50-year-old told the Sutton Guardian: “I originally had the idea to do something a bit artsy and thought I would do this project in London because I’m around there for work. But then I realised I didn’t have many connections there and thought about doing it in and around Wallington instead.

“I’ve lived in the area most of my life, but I have to admit I don’t know that much about it and I thought it would be a fun way to develop my art and learn more about the area.

In previous week left small framed pictures in Wallington High Street, Mellows Park and on the bridge above Wallington train station.

Mr Shaw has included notes with the pictures that ask passers-by to take the artwork if they like it, adding “finders keepers” at the end of the note.

Mr Shaw added: “The feedback has been mostly positive with people saying that it’s a really nice idea. A weird thing happened a couple of weeks ago when a man at the Eagle Gallery said he would frame the pictures for free and he told me that he would support the project as well.

“I have told myself that I will do this for about a year, or until it becomes unenjoyable. But so far it’s made me really appreciate the community and the area I live in.”

Clues of where to find Mr Shaw’s artwork can be seen on the Wallington Facebook group.

Have you found any of Mr Shaw's art? Email newsdesk@suttonguardian.co.uk