"Rat" spotted in Greggs as Pokemon Go craze continues to grip Doncaster

Rather than a real creature however, players have also reported spotting the cuddlyvirtual reality monsters hopping on trains, in town centre streets, shops and homes - while a Facebook group dedicated to playing the game in Doncaster has swelled since the game's official arrival in the UK earlier this week

However, some have blasted those addicted to playing the game as "sad" while others have praised the app for encouraging people to get active.

Player David Jones posted on Twitter: "Genuinely just caught a rat pokemon in Greggs," while Georgia Goddard wrote on Facebook: "Pretty sure there was a Snorlax somewhere near mcdonalds off the A1, but I couldn't go find it."

If all that sounds like a foreign language, a Facebook page, Pokemon Go Doncaster, has been set up to help fans get to grips with the game which has become a global smash hit.

The game, which lets players roam a map using their phone's GPS location to find and catch Pokemon characters to train and battle, has already become a huge hit in the USA, Australia and Germany and now Doncaster players are getting in on the action.

Leon Baker, 40, is among those who are out and about searching for Pokemon characters and said: "I think I've found around 150-200 Pokemon.

"I've seen them at Lakeside, the town centre, Sandal Park, Balby and conisbrough."

Mr Baker, who lives in Askern, admits he has even travelled as far as Rotherham to catch the creatures.

He said: "I normally play with my friends who are mostly in their 30s. I like it due to the fact it's light hearted fun and encourages people to actually get out of the house and promotes walking."

The Pokemon Go Doncaster page allows players to swap tips, share photos and discuss sightings and already has more than 500 members, despite only being set up a few days ago.

The game uses a smartphone's GPS location and real-world maps to track players as they move around. Players can visit Pokestops - typically landmarks or buildings - and collect free items in the game.

The main aim is to catch Pokemon - pocket monsters - which pop up along the way. The game provides an augmented reality experience, using the smartphone's camera to provide a live view of the world, with Pokemon superimposed.

Any creatures caught can be used in battle against other players at Pokemon gyms - also real-world landmarks.

However, some people have raised concerns about the app's safety. The chief executive of children's charity NSPCC urged the app's makers to adapt the game before its UK release, warning that adults could use it to prey on children.

The game has drawn mixed response from those who see the game as just a bit of fun to others who have blasted the game and players as "sad."

Jessica Tranter wrote on Facebook: "All you people saying it's sad. I personally think it's great because people are getting out the house, parents are playing it with their children to have fun together.. outside!"

Sue Case wrote: "Don't know anything about this game, but if it means people are actually up and moving with phones rather than being stationary, it has to be a good thing. Better than most computer/ phone games."

Pete Jones added: "I went Pokemon hunting around the neighbourhood at about 10pm last night, passed at least three people doing the same as me. It's great fun."

Charmaine Hyde added: "It's nice going out and meeting new people who share the same interest as me.... instead of y'know sitting on my ass all day."

However, Facebook users Chris Rishton, Don Brooks and Dale Barker described players as "sad" while Dean Smith wrote: "Has anyone asked how much data this game uses? It might get the kids away from the Xbox but get ready for a massive mobile bill."

Steve Tierney added: "I'll stick to ps4."