The University of Wales, Newport has created an online virtual museum which will show how the town's medieval castle and ship may have looked in the 15th century.

The project forms part of the university's new Digital Heritage Zone in Second Life, a virtual world that can be accessed through the internet in which it is possible to explore virtual places and interact with other people through a 3D character. The online museum shows how the ship would have fitted into the medieval historic landscape of Newport, and tells the story of the ship and mysteries surrounding it that are still being explored.

Matt Chilcott, development director at the university's Institute of Digital Learning, said: "This innovative digital approach enables Newport to share its rich heritage with a range of audiences all over the world in a new and exciting way. "For example, tourists planning to visit Newport can now have fun exploring the area's history before they even arrive in Wales."

The virtual museum has been developed in collaboration with the Friends of Newport Ship, Newport Past and the People's Collection Wales.