MINEHEAD is to have an ambitious ‘Maritime Mile’ project stretching the length of the seafront and featuring a heritage interpretation trail and an open-air gallery.

Funded by nearly £80,000 of EU money allocated to help rural areas, the trail and gallery will showcase Minehead’s maritime history, myths and legends and display images and artifacts from the town’s past.

A West Somerset Council spokesman told the Free Press: “The EU Leader funding means Minehead’s dream of creating a Maritime Mile can finally be realised.

“It will complement the Enterprising Minehead project that has already won substantial funding to make the town a go-to-the-seaside destination by making the most of its traditional appeal, but with a 21st century twist.

“The aim is to give Minehead the buzz that is needed to bring in new visitors, while retaining the Edwardian charm that keeps holidaymakers returning year after year.”

The Maritime Mile walk will link to existing features like the South West Coast Path/England Coast Path and signpost to other points of interest along the seafront that will be included in new interactive/interpretation signage.

The signs will feature augmented reality – which uses computer graphics to provide extra information and interaction for visitors – and will link to a new website.

West Somerset Council will be working with Minehead Museum and Butlin’s on the information project.