‘Time portal’ attraction up for technology award

A hologram representing Victorian lifesaver Mary Wheatland forms part of the attraction

A tourist attraction in West Sussex which uses augmented reality technology via smartphones has been nominated for an international award.

The Bognor Regis Time Portal, which opened in March, has been shortlisted for the the annual Auggie Awards, in California, following a public vote.

The US awards, which take place on 19 June, recognise achievement in the fields of augmented and virtual reality.

Matt Reed, the artist behind the free attraction, said he was "absolutely thrilled to have made it to the final".

The Bognor Regis Time Portal marks 100 years since the death of lifesaver Mary Wheatland, who was known as the bathing woman of Bognor.

Using their own phones or tablets visitors get a glimpse of 19th Century Bognor, with 3D recreations of the wooden bathing machines that once lined the town's beach.

It is nominated in the Best Art or Film category at the ceremony, which takes place at Long Beach.

Matt Reed, who will attend the event, said: "The news came just as we were celebrating the portal’s 10,000th visitor, so this really is the icing on the cake.

“I’ve been overwhelmed by the positive feedback that I have received from visitors to the portal."

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