THE beautiful Solent views from Ryde can now be enjoyed in real time by people all over the world.
A camera has been placed at the highest point in the town, the spire of All Saints Church, Queens Road, and the images streamed to a global audience at www.isleofwightwebcams.co.uk
It pans 180 degrees to capture Ryde Pier, the Solent Forts, Portsmouth's Spinnaker Tower and the view across to Southampton and Fawley, and can zoom in to cover news or sports events in the Solent.
A £1,500 grant, awarded to All Saints last year by Ryde Town Council, was used to buy the camera and equipment, and it is hoped online advertising will raise funds for the church.
Wight Media Services managing director and former ITV Reporter, Dave Russell, said he wanted the church to benefit from the idea, which he came up ten years ago.
"It's taken that long for the reduced cost and technology to become available," he said.
"I have always loved the building, which is starting to show its age and needs preserving for future generations."
In addition to the live stream, Dave has posted videos on the website about the bell tower and the history of Ryde Pier.
All Saints' vicar Canon Graham Morris said: "It's hard to come up with new fundraising ideas but the spire of All Saints does have a spectacular view. Due to health and safety we can no longer invite people to visit the spire, so this is the next best thing. 
"We're hoping through sponsorship and donations we can start some long overdue projects to restore some of our stained glass windows and get some urgent maintenance done on the church organ."
The project has been backed by Tesco, which has donated a television for churchgoers to watch the live stream.