A website has been launched for internet users to tour one of the region's oldest museums.

Web design and development company SBsquared has created a website for The Bowes Museum, County Durham, which showcases the venue's collection of fine arts and furniture, and includes a virtual tour of the building.

The site - www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk - also allows visitors to look at upcoming exhibitions at the museum, in Barnard Castle, and use the online shop.

SBsquared, based in Ouseburn, Newcastle, specialises in online solutions, including design, promotion and e-commerce for small and medium-sized businesses, and clients include the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre, in Durham, and Mincoffs Solicitors.

Kathryn Watson, managing director of SBsquared, said: "The functionality and navigation capabilities of The Bowes Museum's previous website didn't really reflect its branding or its fascinating and extensive collection, and we were delighted to be invited to use our expertise to help bring this much-loved museum and its events even closer to the public.

"While viewing artefacts on a website can't replace standing a few feet in front of the real thing, it can be a useful way of providing a flavour of what visitors can expect to see and do, allowing them to plan their visit to maximum effect."

Rachael Metcalfe, marketing assistant at The Bowes Museum, said: "The search facility has proved particularly popular."