A COMPANY which trains performers in Keighley for cruise ship work has received royal approval for its latest project.

PEEL Entertainment has turned Queen Victoria and King Charles into interactive tour guides at the Houses of Parliament.

The computer-generated monarchs talk to visitors through tablet computers as they wander around the historic London building.

The new learning experience, which also includes 3-D animations, comes from PEEL Interactive, part of the PEEL group, which specialises in ‘augmented reality’.

Digital information is laid over the real-life view of a room to display hidden content through interactive sound and video, including 3D models, animations, games and 360-degree panoramas.

PEEL Interactive is based at the Skipton headquarters of the group, which was originally set up by Keighley mother and daughter duo Mollie and Susannah Daley.

The pair originally provided actor-guides for leading national museums and expanded into providing a range of entertainment and information services for visitor attractions, cruise ships, high-end hotels.

For the latest project PEEL Interactive collaborated with the Houses of Parliament’s Education Service to provide a learning experience at the venue’s recently-launched Education Centre.

The company was commissioned to bring to life historical figures, the traditions of the Commons and the themes of Parliament to life.

PEEL developed a computer app which uses augmented reality technology to add digital interpretation for visitors and students in three separate teaching rooms.

In the House of Commons themed room an actor playing Sir Winston Churchill appears before the user, bringing the history of this iconic room to life.

In the House of Lords themed room, the app user is immersed in a 3D digital reconstruction of the House of Lords in session with clickable hidden objects.

Finally, in the Monarchy themed room, portraits of Queen Victoria and King Charles are brought to life as animations as they discuss their relationship with Parliament.

Jessica Akrigg, head of development at PEEL Interactive, said: “PEEL Interactive are committed to producing inspiring digital experiences that engage people in ways that have previously not been possible.

“This unique project enables young people to interact with Parliament’s key themes and messages through innovative and fun learning experiences.”

“The app increases the learning experience with new content, whilst at the same time ensuring it is delivered in a fun and innovative way.”

The app is the latest visitor interaction tool that PEEL Interactive has produced using augmented reality technology, following recent apps developed for The Alnwick Garden in Northumberland and Colchester Castle Museum.