A WREXHAM man ‘who loves to be a bit silly’ took to his local streets in costume to spread some joy to others on his daily walk.

North Wales Police took to their social media page on Sunday, April 26, after making the ‘shocking’ discovery that the popular Pokémon character was wandering the streets of Rhos for his daily exercise session.

The rural police force posted a picture with the caption: “Officers from The rural team had a shock whilst on patrol in Rhos today... luckily after a check on the Police National Computer it turned out Pikachu was not wanted. And it was also pleasing to see he was respecting “social distancing”!”

Arnie Austin, from Rhos, was the man behind the bright yellow character.

Speaking to the Leader, the dad-of-four said he took to the streets as the iconic character to spread some joy for passersby.

He said: “I am a keyworker working in the private care sector as well as doing bank shifts for the NHS so I understand how much a good sense of humour and a good laugh can have a positive influence on people, especially at times such as with what's going on globally.”

Arnie added that it is not his first time donning the costume.

He said: “When Pokémon Go was all the rage, I played a lot with friends of all ages around Rhos and wore it walking around last year. I have four children and two nieces, that are all 10 and under, so for them seeing their dad or uncle who loves to be a bit silly like this is nothing out of the ordinary.

“The reaction of my girlfriend, a mental health nurse who was actually asleep between nightshifts, when I told her I had been stopped by North Wales Police was one of ‘Oh dear, what have you done this time?’ before laughing at me.”

Arnie added: “The reason I decided to wear the costume simply my love for being a bit silly and making people smile, combined with not having seen my nieces properly since before the lockdown started.

“At the moment, it is the only costume I own, however if you had seen my group chat with the family I am debating about possibly looking at a few others.

“As I have done it before, I would most definitely do it again, and actually stated on Facebook hopefully once the lockdown is lifted I would think of going a little further and not just sticking to a short walk around Rhos.”

Let us know if you spot any costumed people out on their daily walk around their local area by emailing us at news@leaderlive.co.uk