A NEW app has been launched to bring to digital life the wonders of the North East Wales region.

Set up by rural regeneration agency Cadwyn Clwyd, the app is called ‘North East Wales’.

Chirk is among a list of rural areas across the counties of Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham that are featured in the app.

At present there are 12 Digital Trails, which spring into life when the phone/tablet is within range, providing information, pictures, audio and even video.

That number will increase to 18, six in each county, with the capability for more in future as the scheme is expanded.

The app has been backed by funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

The trails in Chirk feature the birthplace of footballer Billy Meredith, the Gareth Bale of his day, who helped both Manchester clubs to FA Cup triumphs, the Ceiriog Valley where English king Henry II was given a bloody nose at Pontricket Bridge and Llangollen Railway.

The mobile phone and tablet versions of the app have been developed by Bangor-based worldwide app specialists Locly.

Rhys Jones, who works with Locly, said: “This is a unique project because it brings together so many communities.

“There isn’t anything like it anywhere in the world that has different communities all working on their local projects to create something that covers an area like this.”

The scheme has been overseen by Cadwyn Clwyd Natural Resources Officer Sarah Jones.

She said: “North East Wales has such a fabulous story to tell and the way the communities have come forward to tell those stories has been brilliant.

“The great thing about the scheme is that it is so flexible because there is an endless scope for it to be expanded and developed over the years.

“It is also so user-friendly because even if you aren’t able to get Wi-Fi you can still connect to the network though Bluetooth and access all the information.

“Information about the app and how to download it will also be available at local shops, pubs, B&B’s and hotels so visitors will easily be able to access it and we hope it will also be picked up by local people keen to learn more about the wonderful area they live in.”

The app can be downloaded now on the app store or on Googleplay.

For more information about Cadwyn Clwyd contact them on 01490 340500, email: admin@cadwynclwyd.co.uk or go to http://cadwynclwyd.co.uk/