YOU can now enjoy Winchester Cathedral like never before.

A virtual representation of the historic building has been created, thanks to a novel idea by Hampshire’s High Sheriff Revd Sue Colman.

The High Sheriff traditionally holds a public event at the cathedral, but due to Covid it was not able to take place.

Not wanting her charities to miss out, Revd Colman approached visualisation and virtual reality experts AECOM to design the event – but in a digital format.

Regional director Andy Thomas, head of visualisation and VR, said: “It was a case of my team going to the cathedral and capturing a 360 view.

“It was amazing, it was such a privilege and honour to capture the cathedral when it was empty – normally we are creating dusty town halls for local authorities.”

Speaking online, Andy said: “One of our biggest challenges was capturing the #photography at the right time of day to get good quality light, contrast and detail within the #360Degree photograph.”

Now live, the virtual Winchester Cathedral showcases various local charities, which are involved in early intervention work, as would normally be the case if the event had physically taken place.

Those who go on to the site will be able to view an online exhibition featuring Home for Good (UK), Safe Families UK & TLG | Transforming Lives for Good.

He added: “Please take some time to visit one of the largest cathedrals in Europe, admiring a thousand carvings joining the stone ribs of its vaulted ceilings; browse the charity’s stands.”

Revd Colman said: “The remit of a High Sheriff is, in brief, to support justice. Through the creative talent which has opened up this beautiful virtual space in Winchester Cathedral, it has become possible to invite others into what I believe is at the heart of a just society, a collective passion to see each person enabled to flourish, whatever adversity they have experienced, and the will & resources to enable that to happen at the earliest possible age. Please do come and explore!”

To view virtual Winchester Cathedral click here.