IS IT a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s Petts Wood’s most famous topless pensioner - the Running Man.

Whether the weather be fine or whether the weather be not he is always bare chested, choosing to wear just shorts, socks and trainers – with sunglasses if the sun is shining.

And since he started the man, who is reportedly called James, has built up a fond following with people pausing to smile and wave as they see him running by.

This appreciation has now gone online with Donna Carroll starting a Facebook page called Fans of The Running Man (FTRM).

It has 4,516 likes with people sharing their stories of the mysterious running machine.

Some say he is now 87 and he reportedly worked as a scientist or a mathematician with others jokingly saying they think he is Forrest Gump’s dad, from the film where Tom Hank’s character just kept running.

Fans of the Facebook page are encouraged to send details of where they see him but Donna Carroll, of Almond Way, Petts Wood, who runs FTRM says it is important the man can continue what he has done for years without feeling persecuted.

The 50-year-old said: “This page only started because my daughter’s friend posted a picture of Running Man on her page saying ‘Guess who I see’.

“I felt as happy as she did and she just wanted to share the smiles – simple.

“And he does make you smile when you see him.

“Nearly everyone has had nothing but good words for him, and some even show concern for him, that he is looking tired, and that everyone is hassling him now.

“I have told him if he wants the page closed then he can let me know as soon as possible.”

Do you know the Running Man? Are you him? Call the News Shopper on 01689 885725.