Rochdale rocks

Families have been hiding colourful rocks like these around the borough

You might have spotted some colourful rocks dotted around the borough in recent weeks, and wondered what this was about.

The rocks project is designed to encourage families to explore parks and open spaces. With so many green spaces in the borough, it was only a matter of time before the popular hobby hit closer to home.

Local groups exist in Rochdale, Middleton, Heywood and Littleborough with smaller groups for Norden, Bamford, Bowlee and Whitworth.

All share the same purpose, to encourage children to embrace their crafty side whilst getting some fresh air in the great outdoors.

Kat Heaton, who set up the Middleton group, said: “I've created a group to try and get a trend going that is huge in areas of Manchester. 

"My little boy loves finding these and I think this would be a fantastic thing for Middleton to have fun with.”

Anyone can take part: all you have to do is paint some stones with acrylic paint and varnish them, paint the relative group name on the back and hide them around the town. You don’t have to be artistic and you can paint any design or picture you want on them.

Participants are encouraged to post photos of their finds online, and it always helps if you let others know where you’ve hidden your own.

Once you’ve found a stone, rehide it so the fun can continue.