Residents of Embsay and Eastby are being invited to take part in a unique digital experiment, as The Embsay & Eastby Post has been chosen for a one-day trial of a new “Smell-O-Vision” plug-in for WordPress websites.

The innovative technology, developed by tech start-up AromaTech Solutions, promises to bring local news to life by allowing readers not only to see and read updates – but to smell them too. By using a small plug-in, the system releases carefully curated scents to match each story.

“We’re always looking for new ways to engage our readers. If that means you can smell the village fête before you attend, or catch a whiff of fresh-cut grass from the cricket green, then why not?”

Today’s trial will feature a range of specially “scent-enhanced” articles, including coverage of the Embsay steam railway (complete with notes of coal smoke and hot oil), a milk shed review (fresh milk-shake aromas guaranteed), and a report from our local farms – though readers are warned this one may be “particularly authentic.”

If successful, the trial could pave the way for wider use of sensory journalism across community websites. For now, residents are encouraged to log on, lean in, and take a deep breath – just in case the news really does stink.