21st century app launched at ancient Isle of Wight church

The project, entitled "Spreading the Word About 'Marmite' St Wilfred and Other Brading Residents", is based at St Mary-the-Virgin Church in Brading.

Read more: Isle of Wight church first to launch 21st century guide

The initiative, funded by the National Heritage Lottery to the tune of £10,000, aims to explore the church's history and heritage and tells the stories of significant characters.

Island East MP Joe Robertson was at the InfoPoint launch at Brading Church. Photo: Joan SolomonThe funding has enabled the church to purchase 21st century InfoPoint technology to achieve that.

This technology allows digital storytelling through guided tours, audio clips, recorded chanting, plainsong, texts and puzzles — all accessible via an app on a visitor's smartphone.

It has been in use on the mainland in places, ranging from Dorset to Derbyshire, and will now help people explore the church's rich heritage.

Read more: Seven reasons to visit Brading this spring and summer

At the launch event, Isle of Wight East MP, Joe Robertson, suggested the project could foster collaboration with nearby attractions, like Brading Roman Villa.

He said that this could, in turn, boost the local economy.

Cllr Christine Johnson, the Mayor of Brading, expressed her pride in the community and its heritage.

She said hoped the project would attract many more visitors to the church.

The Rev James Cook, Associate Area Dean for the Isle of Wight, blessed the project.

June Davison, chair of the Parochial Church Council, expressed her gratitude to the InfoPoint team for their efforts in setting it up successfully.

She echoed much of what the MP predicted.

"It will help the church, through heritage, boost tourism and support the local economy," she said.

The launch event was attended by 50 people, who enjoyed canapés, a celebratory drink and a preview of the digital tour.