Gotham has Batman, Metropolis has Superman and now Brighton and Hove has its own caped crusader, patrolling the streets and performing random acts of kindness.

He certainly looks the part, dressed in a tight blue-and-red top, white boxer shorts adorned with red stars, a blue satin cape and a black mask.

But this unlikely superhero goes by a more mundane name - Ivanman, chosen for no reason other than he likes the sound of it.

And instead of superhuman powers or sophisticated gadgetry, he is armed only with a wad of cash and a generous spirit.

Ivanman, who is keeping his real identity secret, strolls the streets looking for ways to bring a touch of happiness to people's lives.

In the past week he has been surprising people with flowers and chocolates.

In one afternoon he paid for an elderly woman's blue rinse, bought a bus driver fish and chips, splashed out on a dress and paid for someone's shopping.

Ivan, 33, of Hove, intends to spend another four weeks bestowing gifts and will dish out about £2,000 in flowers, chocolates and other treats.

He said: "I'm afraid I can't tell you who has given me the money. It's all part of the fun. It would spoil it if there was no mystery."

But Ivan admitted he would be a little more frugal if the cash was his.

After each purchase, he tucks the receipt into the side of a trainer and soldiers on with his goodwill mission.

He said: "It gives me great pleasure. It is nice to be able to make everyone smile and spend money on the people of Brighton and Hove."

On Ivan's second day of kindness he approached Annette Dacosta, 36, of Park Crescent Road, Brighton, with a bunch of flowers.

She said: "I saw him coming and wondered what was going on. I am more than happy to accept flowers if people want to give them to me.

"I am not sure about the costume. It's a bit scary. Maybe a Tarzan loin-cloth would be more fun."

Lauren Griffin, 19, of Arthur Street, Brighton, was next on his hit list.

She said: "It is absolutely lovely. People should definitely do things like this more often."

One of his more generous gifts was a handbag for Jocelyne Howe, 21, of Queen's Park Road, Brighton.

She said: "I have been in Japan for four months and I came back to England and noticed how rude everyone is.

"Then suddenly this guy offers to buy me a handbag - I am ecstatic."

Not everyone is as receptive to the gifts.

A pair of elderly women in a charity shop shrugged off his advances and walked away hurriedly.

Others have spotted him coming in his flowing satin cape and moved swiftly out of his path, staring at the pavement to avoid eye contact.

Ivan said the odd rude remark was inevitable and last Thursday he was chased through the streets by a group of boys.

But he was undeterred by the incident.

He said: "I am really enjoying myself and it is just nice to see everyone looking a little bit happier.

"Maybe when I run out of money I'll let the cat out of the bag about who is behind it all."