The Diocese of Norwich is urging people playing Pokémon Go to visit churches in the city as many may be home to some of the game's elusive characters.

Eastern Daily Press: St Peter Mancroft is attractin many Pokemon players.St Peter Mancroft is attractin many Pokemon players. (Image: (c) copyright citizenside.com)

The augmented reality game - which is attracting hundreds of new players in the city - involves finding virtual Pokémon characters in different real locations.

Several churches in Norwich have become Pokémon hot spots with St Peter Mancroft Church being revealed as a 'Gym' where players can battle to try and take control of it for their team. The Diocese claims others may be a 'Pokestop' which is a location where players have to visit to get certain items they need to play the game.

The Diocese of Norwich website stated: 'Pokémon Go is therefore giving churches around the country a great opportunity to meet people from their area who might not normally come to church.

'You might also spot people standing outside the church on their phones who may be playing the game and at your 'PokeStop'.'

They are advising churches in the city to welcome gamers inside to explore the church and set up a cafe to offer drinks and snacks.

Other suggestions include creating a battery charging station where players can charge their phones and letting people connect to the Wifi in the church.

The Diocese of Norwich website also stated the game was 'a good way to start a conversation that may lead on to other things'.

However, the Diocese warned of the potential danger to young people playing the game.

'Whilst we would encourage churches to engage with those playing the game, be they adults or children, we also understand the concerns that the NSPCC have raised with regards to keeping children safe.

'Our first priority as a church should be to provide a safe place for children and vulnerable adults with regards to Pokémon Go,' stated the website.