SMARTPHONE users will see 1,000 years of York’s history in a new light using technology which conjures up amazing 3D holograms of its past citizens.

Eye-popping recreations of famous figures such as railway king George Hudson are among those emerging from buildings to guide visitors around.

Apple iPhone users were the first to enjoy the app – which is now being rolled out to the Android smartphones.

The York Hologram Tour app is said to be the only city-based tour in the world to use hologram guides which appear to pop out of city buildings.

Other iconic faces include Guy Fawkes, Dick Turpin’s hangman, and Richard III’s valet gasping out the news of his master’s death on the field at Bosworth.

York council leader James Alexander said: “With thousands of downloads already made of the app, we’re really pleased to launch this Android version.

“Now even more people can use locally sourced technology, plus our expanding free city centre wi-fi, to see our amazing city in a whole new, high-tech light.”

York-based digital experts Appeartome developed a technique called UltraReality to recognise locations and trigger holograms.

MD Chris Knight said the holograms –anchored to the spot as though they are there with you –appear directly on the phone’s screen.

He added: “Once they’ve completed their performance, they can be photographed alongside visitors, and the shots online at the touch of a button.”

The new app, free to download from the Apple App Store or Google Play, is being launched with a competition to win a HUDL tablet.

For the complete experience of 21 holograms, users pay £1.49.

The free version also includes information about the city’s top attractions and dining options.