IT IS is the phenomena which has taken the country by storm.

Now, brightly-painted stones and pebbles have been hidden around the borough for children and families to discover and share with an evergrowing community.

Basingstones has already seen more than 1,700 people going in search of these stones, which have been placed under benches, under trees or in parks throughout the borough.

The idea was brought to Basingstoke by mother-of-two Rachel Brown who was told about the craze in Bournemouth with its Love On The Rocks campaign.

Mrs Brown said: “My children grasped the concept straight away and we all agreed it would be a lovely idea to bring it home to Basingstoke and so I set up the Facebook group Basingstones.

“It’s simple and sweet and everyone can join in the fun, young and old. You just paint a stone, write ‘Basingstones’ on it and hide it somewhere.”

In the short time since setting up the group, residents have been sharing their photos on the Facebook group in their hundreds, with a new photo being uploaded almost on a daily basis.

Families have showcased their creative flair with some of the designs including Olaf from Disney’s Frozen, Spongebob Squarepants, Where’s Wally and even a few #LoveBasingstoke stones being scattered across the borough.

Mrs Brown, 35, added: “You can paint the stone however you wish, perhaps with a pretty pattern, a fun cartoon character, an inspirational quote or an artistic design, for example.

Sharpie pens, permanent markers, nail polish, paints and varnish all work really well.

“It is encouraging us as a family to get outdoors, be creative and spread some joy. It is certainly keeping us entertained and without the need to spend a lot of money.”

To become part of the Basingstones craze and find out what it is all about, go to facebook.com/groups/476782099372115.