A Pokémon pop-up event at a city park proved to be a a big hit as families searched for the mysterious and elusive creatures in a woodland walk.

Organised by Bishbashbosh TCG, the event at Worcester Woods Country Park involved a series of routes making use of the Pokemon GO app, including 'in person' hidden and collectible Pokémon.

The event took place between 10am and 5pm on Sunday and, before 1pm, close to 400 families had signed up to take part with the chance to win 'hidden goodies'.

Director Steweart McWright said there were three different routes through the woods to follow - the Meadow Walk (20 minutes), Country Park Mega Walk (45 minutes) and the Ponds and Puddles walk (35 minutes) which involves scanning a QR code to find the hidden Pokémon . 

He started the business in 2022 which began online on TikTok. The purpose of the event was to bring people who played the game outdoors and make the hobby more social. 

Mr McWright said attendance had 'surpassed expectations' and reactions had been 'really positive'.

"This is why I try to have a balance between the community and business," he said.

He said playing Pokémon GO or using the trading cards could be quite solitary. 

"We're about trying to get people out and about, to meet in person, make new friends and connect. It's inclusive to everyone for a wholesome, organic experience. It's mostly families we appeal to.

"We are making Pokémon more sociable. We keep it completely free, " he said.

He said the aim was not simply to get people to spend money at the shop (which was 'just an option') but for people to make genuine connections which he said was important to him personally as he grew up in foster care.

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Mr McWright cycled the route on Saturday at 6pm to make sure it was 'safe and accessible' and said the support of his team had made it possible.

Visitors also had the chance to trade cards and buy merchandise in the shop.

As visitors walked round the routes they discovered 'in person' QR codes attached to various locations with Pokémon to catch.

They had to scan these, catch the Pokémon and reveal the secret letter. Each of the letters spelled out a word, giving participants the chance to enter into a prize draw.