A Bournemouth metal detectorist known for his work in the community has been shocked to find a piece of art of him on the seafront.

The art at Fisherman's Walk, Boscombe, is made from ceramic tiles and depicts a portrait of Darren Wiles holding a ring which he helped find and was created to mark his 200th find. 

Darren said: "I was completely shocked, I had no idea he was doing it and I thought it was someone else who had done it originally.

"When you see something that someone's taken the time and effort to go off and make for you and then put up as a permanent structure that is for me, it's a surreal moment because I never expected it."

The artist, Matthew Byrom, took six days to make the piece and was inspired to do so after seeing the work Darren had done for others. 

In a twist of fate, Darren also helped find a necklace Matthew lost on the day the painting was put up. 

He said: "I do a lot of street art in the community and it makes me happy because I can see the impact it has on the community.

"I've been following what Darren does for as long as he's been doing it and I'd always thought of him doing a very similar job to what I do in terms of just wanting the world to be the place you want it to be. 

"I waited until his 200th find and then made his portrait and put it at the bottom of Fisherman's Walk because I know that's where he finds a lot of his stuff."

Matthew jokingly stated he used a photo in which Darren looked 'the least miserable' unaware that the photo was taken only a few metres away from where the artwork now is. 

Darren said he hopes to bring his family to the painting soon and said it is great to see people interacting with it.