Youngsters stuck at home in Upchurch near Sittingbourne couldn't believe their eyes when they spotted Spider Man running around their village.

The surprise super hero turned out to be city banker Gareth Merrall, 38, who is working from home because of the coronavirus lockdown.

The dad-of-two said: "I was determined to get back to some running and thought dressing up as Spider Man might amuse children trapped at home.

"I had an old costume in the loft which I had worn for a charity abseil down my firm's building."

He is also supporting his wife Cia's voluntary work delivering food parcels and collecting prescriptions for the village's elderly and self-isolating.

Gareth said: "Cia and her friends are doing something remarkable so I thought I would help to give people a smile. Spider Man has had a pretty good reaction so far.

"I take a different route every day so different people can see me. I have had elderly people laughing and youngsters coming to their windows and waving their Spider Man toys at me."

Mums and dads have begun using the village Facebook page to request visits so their children can see Spider Man. Gareth admitted: "It's great to see them."

One parent wrote after one encounter: "To the man that is Spider Man. Thank you so much for making our little boy's day. You really are a real-life super hero."

Another wag even suggested Swale Cllr Monique Bonney (Ind, West Downs), who is cabinet member for economy and property, should join Spider Man by dressing as Wonder Woman.

But she declined, saying: "That would scare the locals!"

Read more: Sittingbourne stories here.