Gibson does a deal with the paparazzi

Mel Gibson turned local hero for Malibu, California shoppers and paparazzi at the weekend when he struck a deal with photographers to leave him in peace as he bought groceries.

Noticing how flashbulbs and paparazzi attention on him was upsetting locals at a Malibu mart, Gibson stepped outside the convenience store where he was buying essentials to ask snappers to give him a break.

He said: "You're bothering the people inside the store. I'll just come back and give you a shot so you can stop bothering the people inside the store."

And he kept his word - after checking out, the 'Braveheart' star chatted with snappers and gave photographers the thumbs up.

Interest in Gibson has tripled of late after his wife Robyn filed for divorce from the actor/director last month.