The Royal Air Force Museum at Hendon in north London is to trial mobile phone audio tours.

The test will begin in the Bomber Hall with the tours delivered via the visitor's mobile phone; he or she calls a number and then presses a sequence of keys for an exhibit. There is an introduction to the Bomber Hall and an entry for each aircraft. Visitors can also key in a number and leave feedback. It is hoped that this will encourage visitors who have an insight into the aircraft - such as experienced veterans - to share it.

The tour recordings will also be available on the museum's website, enabling users to download them to their mobile ahead of a visit if they don't want to use their call minutes for audio tours, but do want to hear them. The museum views the move as having a huge potential to increase the visitor experience. There can be several recordings for each exhibit which can be 'layered' and pitched at different levels, acting as an introduction for the newcomer, adding fresh insights to a student or offering an in depth view for the enthusiast.

Based on the results of the trial it could be either expanded using the mobile phone method or developed on to dedicated audio devices.