'POKEMANIA' has been sweeping across Barry.

The new Pokemon Go app has taken the town by storm with large numbers of residents spotted walking the streets using their phone's GPS to scour the streets for hundreds of ‘pocket monsters’ in real-life locations.

The hugely popular mobile app, developed by Niantic Labs and The Pokemon Company, has proven to be a world-wide success, with shares in Nintendo - who own the rights - rocketing by 56 per cent.

Pokemon made its debut during the hugely popular 1990s TV series and Game Boy game, but has since turned its attention to the mobile market.

The aims of the game are to 'catch em all' and train captured Pokemon to compete against others.

Barry Island has proven to be a popular area for people to test their skills, with one online user mentioning that the area is 'full' of the virtual creatures and places to battle.

Some residents have also taken to social media to offer their advice to other fans.

A Facebook group called 'Pokemon Go Barry' has been set up, for members to discuss anything Pokemon-related.