A website which hosts tributes to loved ones who have died is venturing into a virtual world.

The innovation takes Associated Northcliffe Digital’s Lasting Tribute into a world of avatars and animation so that visitors can pay their own respects and find out more on Tribute Island.

Lasting Trinute works with Northcliffe’s newspaper websites to publish local obituary notices.

The island, in the virtual world of Second Life, was set up by AND to celebrate the lives of people we have loved and lost.

Tribute Island – open for visitors

The island is a free-to-use feature where people can leave a lasting tribute to anyone who has passed away within our living memory.

A major feature is the tribute to fallen servicemen and women from the conflicts in the Gulf and Afghanistan, who are remembered in their own virtual quarter.

AND’s Island architect Nik Hewitt said: “The project is all about people who have inspired us, entertained us, selflessly protected us, and who have filled our lives with sound and colour. From the British Army, Navy, and RAF, to the political, scientific, and Hollywood greats.

“We also hold regular events, and information is posted for these both in the Info Centre and at the hub or through the Tribute Island group.

“You really have to see the British Military section, where we’ve replicated individual tribute markers to all the UK soldiers and military personnel who’ve lost their lives in the continuing conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. It’s incredibly sobering.”

Tribute markers for service personnel

Nik added: “Hopefully people can get into some serious exploring, and click the exhibits for freebies, to make donations to charities, or to leave your own tribute, through our links with the Lasting Tribute website.”

Most of the exhibits are interactive in some way, with the island roughly divided into topical areas.

And content will continually change, to encourage regular visits, as tributes are rotated and updated.

Nik said: “If you get the chance, please explore the island, take some time to contemplate and think about some of the exhibits, and help celebrate the lives of the people represented here.”

Tribute Island can be found using this SLURL link if you have signed up. Or click here if you’re a beginner.

Finding your way around

Contact NIKK HUET in-world or search on the map for Tribute Island (SLRUL).