Maidstone has become the first destination in the south east to launch its own tourism app.

The Maidstone app, which will be an official visitor guide to the town, will be available for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. The app provides an interactive guide to the town and its surrounding areas.

The free app is suitable for visitors and residents and provides information on what's on, where to eat and drink, what to see and do, where to stay, and where to shop.

Visitors can search:

• What's on - there are more than 200 events at any time, constantly being added to
• Food and Drink- more than 200 restaurants, pubs, tearooms and takeaways
• Places to visit in the area - from castles and gardens, to boat trips and walks
• Where to stay- more than 65 hotels, B&B's, self-catering, and camping
• Maidstone's shopping opportunities.

Cllr Malcolm Greer, the council's cabinet member for Transport and Economic Development, said: "This app has rich content and high resolution images that provide opening times, prices and grading of accommodation.

"It will provide directions from your current location using your iPhone's GPS and Google maps. You can save places of interest and build your own itinerary."