A Canadian bank has requested people stop defacing banknotes with the face of recently deceased actor Leonard Nimoy.

'Spocking' involves doodling features on the face of former Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier that make him resemble Nimoy, who played Mr Spock in the original Star Trek series.

Bank of Canada spokesperson Josianne Menard told The Toronto Sun that damaging banknotes is no joke:

"Writing on a bank note may interfere with the security features and reduces its lifespan. Markings on a note may also prevent it from being accepted in a transaction. Furthermore, the Bank of Canada feels that writing and markings on bank notes are inappropriate as they are a symbol of our country and a source of national pride."

'Spocking' has been around for a number of years, but has seen a sudden burst in popularity following Nimoy's death.

And it might not please the banks, but it's certainly got the Captain's approval:

And the defacing of the Canadian $5 bill warms my heart

— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) March 2, 2015

Hat-tip to DailyEdge.ie