A RURAL church on West Dartmoor is extending its welcome to visitors through the use of a new audio installation.

St Leonard's Church in Sheepstor received £1,900 from the Million for Mission Fund for an audio installation, which enables visitors to understand the role and mission of the church.

Seven different stories have been developed and recorded by members of the congregation in partnership with Plymouth University staff and students.

The Rev Preb Nick Shutt, priest in charge of West Dartmoor team ministry, said that the church attracted tourists from all over the world.

'Steven Spielberg's film, War Horse, opens with a shot of St Leonard's Church and there is also a very strong connection with Malaysia through local family, the Brooke's connection to Sarawak, the country's largest state,' said Mr Shutt.

'To thank James Brooke for overcoming piracy, the locals made him ruler in 1841 which led to Sarawak being ruled by the White Rajahs from 1841 until the second World War, all of whom are buried in the churchyard.'

Dr Elizabeth Tingle, deputy head of the School of Humanities and Performing Arts University of Plymouth, said students and staff at the university were delighted to help with the Million for Mission project, as it enabled students to use their historical skills in a real life project and environment.

She said: 'We all learnt a great deal about working with an outside partner and we hope the project is successful in enabling visitors to learn a little more about Sheepstor church.'

The project's objective was to widen the spiritual experience of visitors. The seven stories recorded are 'A Welcome', 'The Church in the Community', 'The Church Building', 'The Interior of the Church, its Form and Function', 'Sheepstor and the landscape of Dartmoor', 'The Sarawak Connection' and 'Sheepstor Trivia'. 

You can also listen to the stories, and find out more about the church on http://www.westdartmoorbenefice.co.uk">www.westdartmoorbenefice.co.uk