A software giant has consulted experts at The Tank Museum during the production of a major new computer game.

Electronic Arts have visited the Dorset charity as they research a new title in the Second World War Medal of Honour series.

The new game will be set during The Battle of The Bulge and is due to be released this winter to mark the 60th anniversary of the last desperate German counter offensive in the Ardennes.

Museum spokesman Nik Wyness said; "The company has been using our museum and its resources extensively in order to make the game as realistic as possible, drawing on the huge collection of photographs and documents in our archive.

"Over the past several months, EA games have taken video tape and sound recordings of our extensive collection of WWII armour. The producers were particularly interested in The Sherman and Tiger tanks that were used by the Allied and Germans armies extensively in the battle."

EA were also able to take advantage of the Museums resident historian David Fletcher.

"David is arguably the world authority on armoured warfare, and he was able to comment on how armour was used and deployed in the battle."

The visit was unique for Museum staff member Lee Major, who was photographed so he could be digitalised and turned into a character in the game.

For more information about Bovington Tank Museum, its tank displays or to find out how you can ride in one of the museums armoured vehicles yourself, call The Tank Museum on 01929 405096 or visit www.tankmuseum.org