Scotland's very own Deadpool is winning hearts as he carries out good deeds in his local area.
South Lanarkshire's smiling thanks to 'The Local Deadpool' who's been delighting residents dressed as the iconic Marvel superhero during the pandemic.
From garden visits with sick kids, to Halloween doorstep deliveries and First Holy Communion entertainment the dad, who keeps his true identity private, is on a mission to spread joy at a time of so much heartache and uncertainty.
Despite a busy schedule of full-time work, childcare and superhero duties, Deadpool found time to chat to the Daily Record about his truly heroic mission.
The mystery man said: "It's been such a hard time for everyone in this pandemic.
"I just want to make people smile and I can do that by visiting local youngsters who love Marvel and comics as much as I do.
"I'm all for having a laugh."
The life-long comic aficionado purchased the infamous, red and black Deadpool costume two years ago and 'toyed with the idea' of appearing at kids parties and charity events for free but never took the plunge.
But the first lockdown in 2020 urged the doting dad to do his bit.
Donning his unique costume, Deadpool began roaming the streets and soon caught the attention of stunned locals.
"People would toot their horns, wave from their houses and cars and children would cheer, it was lovely", he added.
"Halloween 2020 a few of us in costume dropped off sweeties at some doors too, they thought it was great."
As restrictions eased this summer, news of The Local Deadpool had spread so far that he was asked to appear at a relative's son's birthday party which really opened the floodgates.
"Through word of mouth I got more and more requests," he said.
"A friend set up a Facebook page and helps with the admin.
"I've done a good few birthday parties, and visited a couple of children stuck at home after suffering accidents which was a great way of surprising them and cheering them up.
"Communion parties have asked me along too, I did five in the one day back in June.
"Kids just love the costume, it's something different and a lot of the adults love it too, as Marvel is for all ages.
"I work over 70 hours a week, with shifts up to 14 hours. Some of these visits have been in between night shifts.
"But it's all worth it, I love making people happy."
Despite possessing a number of superpowers, such as accelerated healing and occasional teleportation, securing a UK Driver's License is something Deadpool's not quite managed yet.
"I mostly get around on buses which in itself is a laugh, I do get some looks," he said.
"Drivers don't usually say much, I have a valid ticket and that's all they're interested in.
"I get some smarmy remarks in bus stops but overall the kids love it."
The Local Deadpool will be relying on transportation more than ever before as he plans to widen the net of good deeds across the rest of Scotland.
"I'm planning a few surprise trips and visits that will take me out of South Lanarkshire." he said.
"So watch this space."
Locals took to social media to hail the 'brilliant' local superhero for his 'lovely gesture' with one saying their son was 'mesmerised' by him.
Lisa Mason said: "He's brilliant.
"What he does is great."
Andrea Sneddon added: "Great guy, who ever he is . . . "
"My little boy was mesmerised when he met him."
Rebecca-Ann Kenyon said: "OMG, I absolutely love this guy."
And Liz Barrowman added: "What a lovely gesture.
"Best of luck to him."
Deadpool first burst onto the pages of Marvel comics in the 90's.
Most recently, Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds portrayed the popular character in a series of bluckbuster movies including the X-Men series and Deadpool in 2016 and Deadpool 2 in 2019.
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