ESCAPE room fans will be out in force across Colchester as they put their brains to the test.

The Big Escape Live has been created so hundreds can play the GPS activated game while social distancing and following the rule of six.

It will take place in Colchester today and with the firm having offered free tickets to NHS workers as a thank you for their work in the pandemic.

The event in the town centre will see groups of up to six people playing against each other with a leaderboard updated in real time giving those taking part a competitive edge.

The gaming experience turns the town centre into a giant playground with teams solving puzzles, cracking codes and completing challenges to take down Big Al’s casino in a classic heist.

It kicks off at Shewell Walk Square on October 24 and takes about two hours.

Mark French from The Big Escape said: “After months of being in lockdown, we wanted to do something to bring people back into the town centre to have fun and maybe spend money in the shops and restaurants.

“The game can be played any time as tickets are valid for six months but the idea of The Big Escape Live is that teams will play on the same day creating a buzz around the town - especially if they’re also in fancy dress which is optional.

“It’s a fun and safe outdoor atmosphere for people of all ages to enjoy.”

Tickets cost £44 per team with a maximum of six people to comply with social distancing measures.

More information on how to play the game and what it involves can be found at www.thebigescape.com.