POLICE say Pokemon Go is partly behind a good start to the school holidays in north Swindon.

A spokesman for the North Swindon team said on Facebook: "The police often hear complaints about local youths, and no they are not all angels, however we'd like to say how impressed we've been by their attitudes and behaviour this weekend.

"The first few days of 'freedom' after schools break up can be a bit tricky sometimes- but this year the kids have been great.

"It's usually only during Halloween that we see so many in the parks, chatting, having fun and being so friendly to the whole community. However Pokemon Go has had a big impact in our streets, parks and open spaces, but overall it's been a positive thing.

"We've been impressed by the way they are looking out for one another, keeping safe and engaging with PCSOs who've been out checking on everyone at the vast number of Poke stops and gyms in the patch.

"There's lots of friendly rivalry, and everyone is happily giving tips on where to catch the best characters.

"Those who've got a bit excitable and noisy have responded well to requests to calm down and lower the volume, and picking up their litter - though it would be good if they could locate bins as well as they locate Squirtles and Eevees!

"Well done kids, you've made this weekend's patrols a real pleasure - now does anyone know where we can find a Pikachu in North Swindon?"

The aim of the game is to catch as many of the 100-plus animal-like Pokemon characters as you can by 'throwing' a Pokeball at them by swiping your smartphone screen.

Pokemon appear at random as you walk around, and to replenish your stock of Pokeballs and collect other useful items you have to visit Pokestops, which are highlighted on the map and give you interesting facts about the local area at the same time.

Gyms, in which players can train their Pokemon to fight others, are at: Community Centre Christ Church in Old Town; Swindon railway station; Florence Street Mission Hall, Gorse Hill; the Delta Tennis Centre, Welton Road; Swindon Arts Centre, Devizes Road; and Gorse Hill Baptist Church.

And a Pokemon Go Swindon group has been set up on Facebook for players to swop tips and hints.

Niantic, creator of the 'augmented reality' game said: "We take player safety seriously and want everybody to have a fantastic time exploring while safely playing Pokemon Go.

"We encourage all people to be aware of their surroundings and to play with friends or family, especially when you're exploring unfamiliar places.

"Please remember to be safe and alert at all times, don't drive and play, abide by local laws, and respect the locations you visit and people you meet during your exploration."