A POKEMON fan has launched a group encouraging more people in Burnham to get involved with the game.

James Hayden, 36, has set up the group after Pokemon Go was launched in the UK last week.

Mr Hayden, who had already downloaded the game ahead of its British release, believes the game has brought the town together.

The group now has more than 90 members.

He said: “I created the group so all likeminded people would be in one place and could share tips and get help.

“I am a bit of a technical person – a bit of a geek – and I don’t mind offering help or advice to people interested in it or people who want to get into it.”

Mr Hayden said reaction to the group had been “really good”.

“It is bringing together people who wouldn’t normally talk to each other or people of different age groups or demographics, teenagers and mums on the school run,” he said.

“Everyone is having a bit of banter in town.”

Mr Hayden said the game encouraged people to get out and exercise, socialise and have fun.

“Last week I walked something like 23,000 steps which is about 13 miles around Burnham town,” he said.

“I think the game is brilliant. It has made people go outside and talk to people they wouldn’t normally interact with.”

Pokemon was first popular in the 1990s when they started on the Nintendo Game Boy, and Pokemon trading cards were popular in school playgrounds.

The game has been out various consoles, and it has been a cartoon programme and low-tech trading card game.

This is the first time is has made its way onto a smartphone.

To join the Burnham group go to Facebook and search for Pokemon Go Burnham on Crouch.