IT features relics from the ancient past including an Egyptian mummy and even a dinosaur.

But Warrington Museum and Art Gallery, founded in 1848, is being given a 21st ‘reboot’ thanks to a new app.

Past and present will meet thanks to developer Tom Southworth who will bring the museum’s collections to life in different ways in a bid to connect with new audiences.

Craig Sherwood, collections officer at Warrington Museum and Art Gallery, said: “Warrington Museum and Gallery has always been much-loved by visitors for its distinctive character but as much as we continue to preserve the past, we are also keen to look to the future and encourage people to engage with us on a 21st century level.”

The app uses augmented reality which will make it look as if some of the exhibits are coming to life by looking at them through the phone screen.

It has been made possible thanks to funding from the Colonel Edelsten Bequest fund – a trust fund in Warrington to support the arts, culture and heritage.

Tom said: “Developing a mobile app with the museum team has been great.

"The mobile app uses technologies such as augmented reality to let visitors explore the museum in new and exciting ways. We’ve aimed to make the app as attractive and user friendly as possible, so please give it a try and let us know what you think.

"I’m looking forward to potential future collaborations with the museum."

The Warrington Museum app takes users on an exciting journey through the full expanse of its galleries from tales from the Triassic era to Warrington war stories.

While its main function is for visitors, the app can also be used at home for anyone wanting to learn more about the town's collections.

Craig added: “The museum app gives a full overview of the history of the museum and our different galleries, which is great for people who might still be shielding at home, or visitors from further afield who are looking for a little more information before they visit.

“We are also getting an increasing number of enquiries and interest from people overseas, so this is an excellent way to give them a little taste of our museum from wherever they are in the world.

The Warrington Museum app is available to download for free from Google and Apple stores.