A mum-of -three has been drawing characters from her children's favourite story books on pavements to "keep others inspired" during lockdown.

Zoe Andrews has been using painting chalk to draw on the paths in Marshalswick and Jersey Farm in St Albans.

So far, she has taken inspiration from The Hungry Caterpillar, Winnie the Pooh and Peppa Pig.

She has also created portraits of NHS workers in the community and thank you messages for school teachers.

Ms Andrews said she began to create drawings outside to help "keep sane" during lockdown, but has continued to draw to inspire people who walk by.

She said: "I just started doing it one day. I live in a flat with three kids, one of whom is autistic, and I needed to get out and find a way to keep sane like everyone.

"I've always loved the idea of art as therapy and I do it with my kids, though I never learnt it professionally.

"The five year dream would be to have a van and drive round to hospitals or other high-stress work places and offer light relief art sessions to help people's mental health. When I started drawing I saw how happy it's making people, so I have continued to do it."

She has now opened a competition to not only encourage others to be creative, but to raise money for the mental health charity, Mind in Mid Herts. People have been asked to redesign the cover of their favourite story book in chalk.

Submissions should be emailed to hertschalkwalk@gmail.com by May 24.