HEREFORD is set to feature on its very own Monopoly board, but an old board game has already put the city on the map.

Although similar in looks to Monopoly, Hooked on Hereford, which came out in 1991, concentrates on buying and selling shares in local companies.

It comes after the news that there will be a new Monopoly for Hereford.

The new version of the classic property-buying game will have the multi-coloured property squares all themed around Hereford. Chance and community chest cards will be customised too.

READ MORE: It's Hereford Monopoly! But who will get the swishest squares?

Hereford Times: Hooked on Hereford put the city on the map in 1991 - a game that looked very similar to Monopoly. Hooked on Hereford put the city on the map in 1991 - a game that looked very similar to Monopoly.

Hereford Times: Local businesses and landmarks were on the board game.Local businesses and landmarks were on the board game.

BMW dealers Browns of Hereford, Rockfield DIY, Hereford Tool Hire and The Hereford Times were among the businesses to sponsor squares on the board, giving them a permanent advertising space.

The border of squares surrounds a centrepiece picture by former local artist Mike Bradshaw which features famous Hereford landmarks, including the Old House, the river Wye, and the cathedral.

Hereford Times: Hooked on Hereford came out in 1991 and proved popular.Hooked on Hereford came out in 1991 and proved popular.

Each player uses a plastic car to travel around the board, taking turns to throw the dice.

Players can buy company shares with their £3,000 allowance, and build up their own business empire by demanding rent from anyone who stops on their property and wheeling and dealing on the Stock Exchange.

The object is to have the most assets, in money and shares, by the end of the game.

Hereford Times: The object is to have the most assets, in money and shares, by the end of the game. The object is to have the most assets, in money and shares, by the end of the game.

It was billed as suitable for players aged 10 to 80.

Launched by the YMCA, the board game scheme proved a hit in Europe and Northern Ireland, and games have also been produced to raise funds for YMCA branches in Cheltenham, Gloucester, and Exeter.

Hereford Times: Some of the sponsors of Hooked on Hereford at the Town Hall launch on Friday. Some of the sponsors of Hooked on Hereford at the Town Hall launch on Friday.

It was hoped Hooked on Hereford would raise more than £10,000 for the Hereford City and County YMCA.

Joan Haswell, chairman of the local YMCA in 1991, said at the time: "All profits from 'Hooked on Hereford' will go to further the YMCA's work with homeless young people in Hereford."

Hereford Times: Introducing Hooked on Hereford at a Town Hall reception, the Mayor of Hereford, Councillor Mike Turbutt, tries his luck, watched by YMCA chairman Joan Haswell, general secretary John Bygate and David Gibbes, from main sponsor Henderson Crosthwaite. Introducing Hooked on Hereford at a Town Hall reception, the Mayor of Hereford, Councillor Mike Turbutt, tries his luck, watched by YMCA chairman Joan Haswell, general secretary John Bygate and David Gibbes, from main sponsor Henderson Crosthwaite.

The board game was sold for £14.99 by various local outlets at the time including Chadds, The Hereford Times, Premier Pools and Leisure at Pengethley Garden Centre and the Hereford Tourist Information Centre.

Hereford Times: Mayor Mike Turbutt receives a Hooked on Hereford game presented by YMCA chairman Joan Haswell, watched by general secretary John Bygate. Mayor Mike Turbutt receives a Hooked on Hereford game presented by YMCA chairman Joan Haswell, watched by general secretary John Bygate.

Ms Haswell said: "Lots of people are buying the game to send as Christmas presents to friends and relatives who have left the city and are now living as far away as Australia and Germany."