MORE than thirty sheep were hidden around the Lake District as part of Random Acts of Kindness Day on Saturday (February 17).

The iconic herdy brand hid 32 stuffed toy sheep for people to find and take, provided they passed on an act of kindness once they had.

A map and clues were shared on Herdy’s Facebook page and a social media storm ensued, with hundreds hunting for the sheep.

They were hidden in places ranging from the top of Helvellyn and Scafell, a playground in Brough, the 555 bus, Windermere Lakes Cruises and Lakeland Motor Museum at Backbarrow.

Some also came across the herdy sheep unexpectedly, including Kris Moeckel, from Silverdale, and partner Ishbel, from Oxfordshire, who found one on the top of Helvellyn while on a very special walk.

“On Saturday we set off first thing, to be the first to the top of Helvellyn," said Kris. "Upon arrival at the summit we found little herdy attached to the trig pillar. We then moved to the “shelter” for a cup of tea, at which point I proposed to Ishbel and she said yes.

"Finding the herdy and reading the message about random acts of kindness inspired us to perform our own random act of kindness and pay forward the kindness and fortune we are so lucky to receive in our lives in general and especially that day.

"So, while the ring was being re-sized we bought lunch and a hot chocolate for a local homeless gentleman.”

Diane Spencer herdy co-founder said “Congratulations to Kris and Ishbel. We couldn’t believe it when we heard it had been found by a couple who then got engaged and even lovelier when we heard they too were passing on their own act of kindness.

"To be honest we were astonished by the reaction overall. We thought it would be a fun way to do something nice which got people out enjoying Cumbria and spreading some kindness, we certainly didn’t expect quite so many people to get involved.

"All the herdys have now been found and more importantly some heart-warming acts of kindness have been passed on by the herdy finders; spontaneous charitable donations, sweets bought for kids in a sweet shop and many more."