POKEMON GO fans will be out in force tonight after an insurance adviser organised a meet-up in Castle Park.

More than 50 gamers are expected to gather at the band stand from 7pm to track down virtual Pokemon on their smartphones.

The mobile game was released in the UK on July 14 and has already attracted hundreds of players to Pokestops across Colchester.

Castle Park has become a hotbed of stops, where players can collect useful items, and lures, which attract the Pokemon.

Richard Atkinson, 27, who works for Scrutton Bland on Severalls Business Park, is organising the hunt.

He created a Facebook event in the Pokemon Go Colchester group, which has already gained more than 900 members since the game’s release.

Richard, who previously worked as an assistant manager at Gamestation in Long Wyre Street, said: “There’s a huge social aspect about it.

“Lots of people are getting involved and it’s nice to have something that taps into that 20s to 30s age range.

“I’ve spoken to people I would probably would never have spoken to and have reconnected with old work colleagues and friends - everyone is there for the same reason.

“And to be honest, I’ve never walked so much in my life.”

The group will tour the park until it shuts at 9pm and players may head on to Lion Walk - another popular Pokemon spot.

Richard, who lives in Parsons Heath, Colchester, shared his top tips for catching the best Pokemon.

He said: “Anywhere with dark green grass on the map or near a body of water, you’re going to get a good mixture of Pokemon.

“The Rec is also good for Pikachus.”

As part of the event organisation, Richard has called on everyone attending to be responsible and not leave litter in the park.

The Pokemon Go Colchester group is also planning a Pokemon Picnic back in the park on Sunday.

A spokesman for the council said it recognised the game as a good way of keeping active.

Councillor Annie Feltham (Lib Dem), portfolio holder for Business, Leisure and Opportunities, said: “If you are playing in council venues, please make sure you are considerate of other users and of your surroundings.

“We want to make sure that everyone enjoys their experience and that you acknowledge others around you.”