THE VILLAGE of Tolpuddle has been turned into a museum with the launch of an audio visual tail bringing to life the story of its famous Martyrs.

The project to create the trail, which guides visitors around the village while listening to the story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs and watching videos on their tablets and smartphone, was overseen by the South West TUC and Tolpuddle Martyrs's Museum and supported by a £37,800 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Local residents and those involved in the project turned out for the launch and there were tablets on hand to see the trail in action.

The tablets will be available to hire from the museum, where they will also help people to download the free app they can use instead.

Tom De Wit, manager of the Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum, said using their tablet or smartphone visitors will be able to stop at various points around the village and see scenes of the Martyrs' story played out before them.

They will also be able to explore Pathé news footage from the centenary in 1934, interactive items for youngsters and much more.

Mr De Wit said: "It really brings the story alive in a way that hasn't been done before as you can stand there on the actual spot where things happened and watch these historical events."

The story of the six farm labourers from Tolpuddle who went to trial in 1834 after forming a union is re-enacted by members of Dorset's Equity branch.

Much of the narration is done by star of Silk and The Village Maxine Peake.

South West TUC regional secretary Nigel Costley said the project had also been supported by a range of organisations such as the National Trust, Dorset County Council, West Dorset District Council, Puddletown Area Parish Council and the Methodists Church as well as a host of individuals and local residents.

He added: "It really does enhance the experience visitors are going to get coming here and it's really going to supplement the whole Tolpuddle Martyrs story."

Mr Costley said that they had been working on the project for over a year in the run up to the launch.

He said: "We thing this will really bring to life the whole experience of Tolpuddle and almost turns the whole village into a museum."

Mr De Wit said the trail was also a great way of introducing a younger generation to the story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs.

He said: "It really is something for all the family."

To find out more about the trail and how to download it visit the Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum or go to tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk