Hi-tech digital apps are to be created to lead visitors on the new West Norfolk Explorer Trails, designed to show the best of the area's architecture and nature.

Eastern Daily Press: A deserted Hunstanton beach. Picture: Ian BurtA deserted Hunstanton beach. Picture: Ian Burt

Beautiful beaches, historic churches, nature reserves and even a royal estate fit for a Queen - there is always plenty to see in West Norfolk and the Fens.

And now, hi-tech digital apps are to be created to lead tourists on a trail showing the best of the area's architecture and nature.

West Norfolk council has secured £81,500 of European Union (EU) funding for the project, which will include two mobile phone apps, a website, six short promotional videos and information points along the routes.

People will be able to download the apps to guide them around the area, with the trails focusing on three themes - the area's historic churches, West Norfolk and the Fens' changing landscape and the countryside around the Great River Ouse.

Eastern Daily Press: The Exorcist's House in King's Lynn. Picture: Ian BurtThe Exorcist's House in King's Lynn. Picture: Ian Burt

MORE: Wish you were here - West NorfolkElizabeth Nockolds, the council's deputy leader and cabinet member for culture, heritage and health, said the new West Norfolk Explorer Tourism Trails were an 'exciting idea' which would encourage more people to visit.

She added: 'A lot of our tourism is based on our heritage and our coastline and this will encourage more people to visit our rural areas, our churches, our river areas and around the Fens.

The money, from the EU's LEADER (Liaison Entre Actions de Développement de l'Économie Rurale) programme, will also cover the cost of a project officer on an 18-month contract.

That person will develop each of the routes and website materials and is to be recruited in due course.

Eastern Daily Press: A crowdfunding appeal has been launched to rebuild the the wildlife watching hide at Snettisham RSPB. Picture: Ian BurtA crowdfunding appeal has been launched to rebuild the the wildlife watching hide at Snettisham RSPB. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

Mrs Nockolds added: 'We're always keen on visitors coming to West Norfolk.

'They spend money here and have a good time, which brings employment and money to the economy.

'The more we have to offer, the more people will visit.'

Part of the idea of having three different themes, she said, is to cater for people's different interests.

Eastern Daily Press: The old getty stands on the shore at Snettisham.The old getty stands on the shore at Snettisham.

'Not everyone enjoys heritage and there are people who prefer to be out in the countryside,' she said.

The website and apps will also direct people to local businesses along the route, with Mrs Nockolds saying: 'We should help local businesses, even if it's just a beautiful little tea shop.'

The West Norfolk Explorer Tourism Trails are due to ready by May 2019.

What are your favourite places to visit in West Norfolk and the Fens? Write, giving your full contact details, to andrew.papworth@archant.co.uk