Calendars have been in use for thousands of years and Essex-based Rose Calendars claims to be the UK’s oldest-established calendar manufacturer – but that hasn’t stopped the company moving with the times.

The Colchester firm has now launched a ground-breaking interactive calendar on which each month’s image is accompanied by a code offering access to a high-resolutin digital version of the picture which can be rotated through 360 degrees.

In addition to the QR code, which can be scanned using a smartphone or tablet, the digital images can also be accessed via a desktop computer.

There is also an option to move around the image – in some cases even right down to ground level – as well as access to information points to learn more about the area shown.

Michael Rose, managing director of Rose Calendars, which has designed and manufactured promotional business calendars for more than a century, said the company was the first in the UK to develop a calendar of this type.

“We have always had an innovative approach and pride ourselves on our ability to move with the times,” he said. “This has continually been the case, right back to when we were printing date and memo calendars in 1908.

“Changes in technology provide us with a great opportunity to come up with new and exciting ideas and to ensure our calendars remain relevant and popular within the workplace.”

Mr Rose said the response from customers had so far been very encouraging, with 4,000 copies of the interactive calendar already sold.

“The reaction we’ve had has been great,” he added. “Our customers really seem to like it and appreciate that it offers something a little bit different.

Locations featured in the first interactive calendar include the Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu in Peru, the streets of Paris and the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janiero.

To view one of the images, go to www.rosecalendars.co.uk/360-interactive-wall-calendar.