A local artist dodged gum and broken glass as she walked around barefoot for a day for a leprosy charity.

Charismatic artist Jenny Hawke, 60, got her feet dirty for charity the Leprosy Mission by walking around Kingston and Putney in her bare feet.

The artist, who lives in Ruskin Drive,  said that walking barefoot for a day would raise awareness for the Feet First campaign, which was organised by charity the Leprosy Mission.

Adventurer Bear Grylls has backed the Feet First campaign.

Feet First asks people to spend one day going about their normal routines whilst walking around barefoot.

Mrs Hawke said: "Going barefoot gets you noticed in London.

"People here are so cautious and avoid you if you stand out and it is similar to the experience lepers have in other parts of the world.

"Most of the people who have dared to speak with me were shocked to find that leprosy still affects thousands in Africa and India.

"They seem to think it's a disease of the past, but it still causes misery for so many people."

Leprosy is still prevalent in Africa, South America and Asia.

Money raised by the Feet First campaign before August 31 will be matched by the government as part of its UK Aid Match funding.

Donations will be used to set up foot care groups and provide protective sandals to prevent disability in leprosy-affected communities in the Cabo Delgado province of Mozambique.

Asked how her day went Mrs Hawke said: "I dodged glass, gum and dog mess.

"A girl even said to her dad 'who is that strange lady with no shoes on?'

"But when I spoke to them they were so interested in knowing more. It's a great way to start a conversation with people."

To support the Feet First campaign tweet your bare foot journey to #FeetFirst, or donate to the leprosy mission.