Minehead’s Maritime Mile is being launched to give the resort a fresh boost designed to attract more visitors in time for the start of the main holiday season.

At an informal ceremony on Tuesday, Minehead’s Deputy Mayor Cllr Gail Everett cut the ribbon to open the new attraction.

The £80,000 project, largely funded through LEADER – an EU scheme that allocates money to help rural areas – will complement the Enterprising Minehead project that has won substantial funding to make the most of Minehead’s traditional appeal as a seaside resort – with a 21st century twist.

The Maritime Mile creates a new heritage interpretation trail, running the length of the seafront to showcase Minehead’s maritime history, myths and legends.

The trail has the central theme of ‘find and follow the shells’ and will be way-marked to draw people along the route. It will link to existing features like the South West Coast Path and England Coast Path.

An open-air gallery is being built at the trail’s central point to display images and artefacts from Minehead’s past.

There is also an app, suitable for Android and iOS devices, that features a quiz designed to entice people to walk to the harbour and complete the trail. Those presenting correct answers to Minehead Visitor Centre will be eligible to collect a prize.

This technology will also link to the new Minehead destination website for visitors.

The new app features augmented reality, videos and 3D images to make the walk more exciting and interactive. It also links to the new website being launched – www.mineheadbay.co.uk.