A COMPETITION to put a town on the 3D map is now in its final stages.

Letchworth GC resident John Webb came up with the idea to ask people to design 3D models of landmarks in the town using a computer programme called SketchUp.

Entrants so far include computer-generated versions of the Spirella Building and North Herts District Council’s offices, although variations and imagined designs of buildings are also encouraged.

All the models are stored on sharing website Google Warehouse and could be used on Google Earth if considered to accurately reflect the real buildings.

Drop-in sessions are being held from 10am-midday every Saturday throughout October at Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation’s Community Hub in Station Road to give potential entrants access to the computer programme ahead of the October 31 closing date.

“It’s not something you just see in the cinema, there are lots of companies using 3D technology,” said Mr Webb.

“The garden city has always been involved with technology but you need to showcase it. The use of computer technology started in the 1970s and ’80s so we’re tying it in with Letchworth Arts Centre’s celebration of the two decades.

“There is no one way of doing it. It could depict a real-life building or be completely imagined.”

Highfield School pupil James Cooper attended the session on Saturday for the first time.

The 12-year-old has been using SketchUp for the last year and within minutes had created a 3D model resembling Brotherhood Hall in Gernon Road.

His mum Sally said: “I think it’s a great project and I think there’s a lot of boys out there that would enjoy it.”

Mr Webb added that the age range of participants has been broad, with youngsters from the age of eight coming along with their parents, as well as retired people

The project will conclude at the Now That’s What I Call a Recession festival in Broadway Gardens on November 17 and 18.

An awards ceremony will be held at Broadway Cinema on the Sunday night, where entrants will have their models displayed on the big screen before the winners of different categories are announced.

For more information about the competition, email jwebb2005@hotmail.co.uk