GOOGLE MAY BE GODSEND FOR 900-YEAR-OLD ST MARY DE CASTRO CHURCH, IN LEICESTER

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Google may be Godsend for 900-year-old St Mary De Castro Church, in Leicester

From famous landmarks to neighbouring streets, Google mapping technology has made virtual tours of the planet as easy as clicking a button.

Now, the internet giant has taken its service a step further by depicting the insides of buildings – and a Leicester church is believed to be the first in the country to be included.

The interior of St Mary De Castro Church, in Castle View, has been pictured for Google's Business Street View by Leicester photographer Chris Jones.

It is perfect timing for the 900-year-old church, which is just about to launch a £140,000 fund-raising appeal to repair its eroded spire.

Church member and funding co-ordinator for the Save Our Spire appeal, Rosemary Mason, said: "We thought it was a great idea. You can do so much through technology these days and this was an ideal opportunity to show off our wonderful church.

"Our hope is that it will bring people forward who can help or donate to our appeal."

Vic Allsop, fellow church member and chairman of the appeal, said: "It really will open up the church to the whole world and that's exactly what we want to achieve."

Before Business Street View, the mapping technology only allowed internet users to see the outside of buildings. The new service was launched in May to give companies the chance to advertise themselves.

Chris, who runs LeicesterPhoto Design, in Littlethorpe, has photographed several businesses in the city, including the Very Bazaar shop, in Silver Street, and hi-fi specialists Cymbiosis, in Hotel Street.

"I've been taking photos of churches in Leicestershire and Rutland for years as a hobby," he said. "They're such beautiful buildings, so when I got a call from Google asking me to help out with Business Street View, I jumped at the chance.

"I was recently contacted by the church to help out with some publicity shots for its campaign for free, and I realised it would be ideal for Street View and could really help with the appeal."

Chris's photos will go online in the next few days.

The Save Our Spire appeal will officially launch next month. Anyone who wants to donate, or find our more, should e-mail:sosstmarydecastro@btinternet.com