Ed Sheeran's new music video – a collaboration with Pokémon – gives the sights of Richmond a starring role, it has emerged.

A long-time fan of the computer game and franchise, Sheeran has just released 'Celestial', a new song that features Pokémon characters in its official video.

The video opens with shots of streets at the top of Richmond Hill as dawn breaks and Sheeran appears to wake from a night's sleep.

The global superstar is seen being plagued by Pokémon hallucinations. Firstly, this plays out as he makes a breakfast feast with Charmander, who helps prepare the breakfast he shares with Pikachu, Slowpoke and Squirtle.

As he emerges from his home and into the morning sun, he is nearly hit by a London cab on a zebra crossing outside the Richmond Hill Bakery and coffee shop but is saved by the infamously lazy Snorlax before Machamp too comes to his rescue.

Next, he is seen on the towpath on the Richmond side of the Thames and then being carried across the river by a helpful Lapras.

Fans then see him sitting on the slopes beneath the Terraces and enjoying the magnificent Arcadia view across the Thames and beyond alongside a group of bulbasaur.

Shortly after Ed even receives a lift from a Charizard.

In one scene, the Petersham Hotel can be seen in the background as the action constantly switches between real life and animation.

In April this year, delighted staff at the hotel posted a selfie with the singing star – presumably when he was involved in scouting for locations to be featured in the video.

The video is a huge coup for Richmond given Ed Sheeran's global fame coupled with the appeal of Pokémon, and it could well fuel another tourist rush by fans of both.

The area's streets and green spaces have proved an enormous draw to the creative industries, including film and TV companies. Successes include Ted Lasso, based around a fictional AFC Richmond Premier League football team, starring Jason Sudeikis.

Just last week, Sir Michael Caine, was seen filming a new film in Church Street, Twickenham.

Film Richmond, which is a Council operation, said: "We had the pleasure of welcoming Ed Sheeran to Richmond recently, as he filmed his brand-new music video in (and on) Richmond Hill.

"Ed and many of his helpful Pokémon friends came together to shoot the wonderful video for 'Celestial', which is out for you to enjoy now!"

The video can be watched at this link – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23g5HBOg3Ic