A quirky trend started by a mysterious crusader has brought smiles to faces across the Island.

Stones with the words “Love Sheppey” on are being hidden in all sorts of locations, with the idea that whoever finds them writes their own message on a new one for someone else to discover.

The first the Times Guardian heard of the unusual concept was last week when reader Peter Bruce sent in a picture of pebbles he had found at Barton’s Point off Marine Parade, Sheerness.

The artwork, which Mr Bruce said had been done with real care, also puzzled youngster Charlie Cross who had spotted them on an early morning walk with family.

Since then, Facebook and Twitter have gone mad with Islanders talking about the unique stones so much they even have their own groups and a hashtag – a search option on social networking sites.

It has caught the imagination of many residents, from young children to the elderly, and pebbles have now been found all over, including Minster, Sheerness and Queenborough.

We have managed to track down the person who started the craze, but have decided not to reveal her identity to keep up the mystery.

She told us she actually placed the first stone way back in April for Earth Day, but it has only taken off in the last few weeks with other people taking the lead.

The 41-year-old says she has left more than 400 pebbles across Sheppey and there are ones with other messages including “Angels Guide You”, “You Are Loved”, “Spread The Fairy Love” and “You Are Blessed”.

She said: “It was just to bring a smile to the Island because everyone was a bit miserable – and it worked.

“We live on a special Island and I want everyone to find one.

“There’s so much negativity I thought I’d so something positive and see if people picked up on it.

“It’s brilliant and I’m glad it’s cheering people up.”