A FLEDGLING firm that uses satellites to help tourists learn more about local attractions has won a £46,000 business boost.

Turning Points stole the limelight at the official opening of Sittingbourne Enterprise Hub by winning its pioneering Start-up Challenge.

The firm was one of 17 applying for financial help under a scheme worth more than £70,000. The winner, which will receive £10,000 plus expert help, is expected to move into the hub.

Entrepreneurs Tom Harvey and Mark Esdale, both from Canterbury, played down their chances of becoming millionaires.

But experts believe their exciting idea, which is also being developed by their Canterbury-based colleague Ian Walsh, has huge worldwide potential.

Turning Points is creating commentaries to accompany coach, boat, rail or car journeys.

In some cases, the packaged commentary replaces human guides. The automatic system is activated by satellite technology and can even adapt to route changes, telling people about attractions they did not know they would see.

Mr Harvey said: "Most coaches have a tape or CD and the coach operator has to press a button. If they get diverted, it gets out of synch. This system doesn't care.

"It's got a computer that uses GPS satellite technology to figure out where it is, which direction it's going, how fast, what time of day or night, and what time of year."

He insisted it did not spell the end of the human guide.

"What we are hopefully doing is bringing business to the guides because we're making people go to places like Whitstable or Faversham where they wouldn't normally go. It's a win-win product."

Robert de Fougerolles, hub champion, said innovators like Turning Points needed missionary zeal and the ability to sell.

"If they can't sell the concept, they are not going to get the financing, recruit the key people, organise the distribution or get the customers. It's a good time for the innovator in Kent."

The three other finalists were Precision Chelator Engineering (PreCise), Pharmidex Pharmaceutical Services, and Innovation 4C.