A spell at Dogwarts for Harry Potter guide dogs

Trainers walking guide dogs through the Harry Potter set used for Diagon AlleyImage source, Warner Bros Studio/Guide Dogs
Image caption,

The charity has sponsored three dogs named Harry (right), Ron (middle) and Hermione (left)

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The studio that is home to the Harry Potter tour has partnered with a charity to improve accessibility for people with visual impairments.

The Warner Bros Studio Tour in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, has sponsored three guide dogs in training named after JK Rowling's characters Harry, Ron and Hermione.

The charity Guide Dogs will use the funds to cover training, food and veterinary expenses.

New initiatives will be introduced to the tour over the next 12 months to help staff and visitors, including iPads that can be used to magnify signs and descriptions.

Image source, Warner Bros Studio/Guide Dogs
Image caption,

The attraction has sponsored the training of three guide dogs

The Warner Bros Studio Tour has welcomed guide dogs into the venue since it first opened in March 2012.

Visitors can explore sets from the Harry Potter film franchise such as the Great Hall, Gringotts Wizarding Bank and the Forbidden Forest.

The charity, Guide Dogs, will also provide staff at the tour with training resources about helping visitors with visual impairments.

They will also be taught how to safely guide a person with sight loss around the site.

Image source, Warner Bros Studio/Guide Dogs
Image caption,

The assistance animals have been welcomed at the venue since it opened in 2012

Kerry Kernan, head of children, young people and families at Guide Dogs, said: "Through our consultation, advice and training, we hope to encourage change across the UK attractions industry to become more accessible for people with sight loss."

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