IT probably hasn't escaped your attention that there's a new craze sweeping the country – and Herefordshire is no exception.

Throughout the county people are out searching the streets for new and rare Pokémon while monuments have become cherished Pokéstops and landmarks have been transformed into 'gyms'.

It's all because of the Pokémon Go game which allows players to capture, battle, and train virtual creatures called Pokémon.

They appear on device screens as though in the real world, with the game making use of GPS and the device's camera.

In Herefordshire there's a dedicated Facebook page where tips and advice are shared, offering a platform for local players to communicate.

Josh Nice, who runs the page with Carl Haffenden and a number of other admins, said: "It started last week as just as a thing for me and my group of friends and it has grown due to the popularity of the game.

"More than 1,000 people have now liked it in just in a week.

"I would say Pokémon Go is a way of getting out, exercising in the fresh air while playing a game. It sees people spending time with friends to find things and exploring and it's a way of getting the community together.

"There has been a lot of bad feeling lately [nationally] and it has brought a lot of people together, and all different age groups."

The 26-year-old admits some people have questioned why others are playing the game because of their age.

Reports of people trespassing while playing the game has also prompted a warning from Ledbury police.

They have urged players not to inadvertently trespass onto private property and that, due to the current threat levels, anybody found on a police site for non-police business and without authorisation will be challenged.

However, the game begins with a warning for players to stay alert at all times.

And Mr Nice believes the game offers a sense of nostalgia, allowing people to exercise while exploring their local area.

"Another thing is that if you click on the part where it says where the Pokéstop is, it has information and history about the area," he added.

"For instance, the monument on Whitecross is probably assumed to be related to military but it is actually a plague cross."

Mr Nice has organised a PokéTrek this Sunday which will also be raising money for Age UK Hereford and localities.

"It was originally supposed to be a small group of friends, about 20 of us, and now there's potential for a couple of hundred coming," he said.

Anyone is welcome to join the group which is meeting at Castle Green at 11am on Sunday (July 24).

Visit facebook.com/PokemonGoHFD for route details and more information.