It has been played by more than one billion people worldwide and its little green houses and red hotels have been fiercely fought over for 80 years.

Eastern Daily Press: Monopoly has been played by more than one million people worldwide. Now the game is searching for a new world champion. Credit: Haydn West/PA Wire.Monopoly has been played by more than one million people worldwide. Now the game is searching for a new world champion. Credit: Haydn West/PA Wire. (Image: Archant)

Now the iconic family board game - commonly found on dinner tables at Christmas time - is on the hunt for a new champion.

Next weekend, when the Monopoly World Championships tour bus rolls into Norwich, fans will get the chance to pass go and qualify for the UK finals of the competition.

The specially designed double-decker bus is fitted with ten Monopoly tables and is searching for the nation's best player as it visits 12 towns across the UK and Ireland.

The bus will be at Castle Mall in Norwich on Sunday 7 June for the East Anglia regional heat.

In honour of the 80th Anniversary of Monopoly, the heats will play host to 80 adult competitors and 80 junior competitors who will take part across four heats throughout the day.

The winners from each heat will go through to the regional final later that day, before two winners are crowned - one adult and one junior.

The two winners will represent East Anglia in the UK and Irish final which is due to be held in London on July 19.

The adult winner of this final will then travel to Macau, China where they will compete against champions from across the globe in the World Championships final.

Kay Green, Hasbro UK marketing director, said: 'We're travelling the UK and Ireland searching for the very best Monopoly players and giving fans of all ages the chance to reach the grand final.

'The events are designed for the whole family in mind and are set to be a thrilling competition from start to finish.

'What better way for us to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of Monopoly than for a British or Irish champion to bring home the World Championship in Macau.'

The junior category is open to entrants aged 8-17.

Potential competitors must apply for a place in the regional heats at www.monopolychampionships.co.uk. Registration closes on June 3.