FIRST Essex has reported a surge in the use of free Wi-Fi on board its buses since the Pokemon Go app was released last week.

The new craze has soared in popularity in Colchester, with big groups of Pokemon hunters getting together in Castle Park, Lion Walk and other areas in town to catch as many Pokemon as they can.

And it seems buses are no expection - with about a third of all First Essex fleet now fitted with Wi-Fi, gamers are taking advantage.

Alex Jones, managing director at First Essex, said: "We've certainly noticed an increase in the use of Wi-Fi on board our vehicles.  We think the spike can be attributed to the Pokémon craze.  

"Pokémon Go is a great means of encouraging people to use the bus and explore the city."

Day tickets, which allow passengers to hop on and off buses for the day, are £3.80 for adults and £2.60 for under 16s in Colchester.