AN author from Oxford has taken the unusual step of giving his books away for free.

Preston Likely, from Littlemore, has been squirreling his books away in public spaces for members of the public to find.

He then posts hints about the location on Twitter for people to follow. So far he has hidden copies of Amuse Agents in playgrounds, libraries, parks and near Didcot railway station.

The 44-year-old said: “I got quite a few copies of my book when they were published and I wasn’t sure what to do with them.

“So far I have hidden about 30 and I have written a little message in the front.

“Some people have been in touch to tell me they have found my book, which is quite nice.”

He added: “I would like to keep it going for quite a long time – it is just a bit of fun.”

Mr Preston is a serial prankster, who has a history of playing jokes on members of the public.

In 2012, he put up fake small ads in shops around Didcot advertising services including ‘a divorce photographer’ and ‘a pick- pocketing course’.

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