CUTTING-edge technology is being harnessed at a quirky North Yorkshire attraction to create a new digital experience for visitors.

The Forbidden Corner is a unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies and surprises created within a four-acre garden near Middleham.

The attraction is taking part in the Mobile Access North Yorkshire Project (MANY) by using 5G technology to turn its popular brass rubbing experience into an interactive, augmented-reality digital quest adventure.

One of the MANY partners, Flo-culture, is working with Forbidden Corner to enable state-of-the-art mobile technology to create the digital adventure.

Johnny and Wendy Reeves, who have managed the Forbidden Corner for more than 20-years, said taking part in the project and being able to harness the latest digital technology marks a real departure from the past when they were unable to provide customers with even a basic mobile signal.

They said: “Our customers are loyal.

"But we want to exceed their expectations and offer them more so they can experience something different every time whilst rewarding loyalty.

“It is exciting that the 5G network, which MANY will bring, will enable us to develop this type of adventure”.

The scheme is one example of how the £6.4 million MANY project, which is part funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), will explore the benefits of an enhanced digital experience to tourist attractions.

Katherine Pearson, managing director of Flo-culture, said: "A 5G network will allow us to immerse visitors at The Forbidden Corner in a real-time augmented reality experience.

"The uniqueness of The Forbidden Corner will be brought to life in a totally new way.

“This is one of our solutions which will help the attraction respond to the expectation that today’s visitors have: reliable mobile connectivity, and access to enhanced experiences via their own mobile devices.

"Providing this solution in such a beautiful rural environment will allow The Forbidden Corner to compete on a level playing field with their digitally connected urban neighbours."

Trials of the new digital quest are expected to take place this summer.