Last updated 12:08, Wednesday, 08 October 2008

By David PickthallBOSSES at a haunted castle are daring people to help out as ghost detectives this Halloween.

GHOST SEARCH: Bosses at Muncaster Castle, pictured, are offering people the chance to become ghost detectives during their Halloween festivities

Muncaster Castle is offering a series of torchlight ghost tours each evening between October 26 and November 2 as part of its spooky Halloween Week when visitors can discover more about the castle’s supernatural residents.

Scientists have been researching the ‘ghosts’ of Muncaster Castle since 1992 and are still unable to explain some of the strange occurrences reported there.

Many of the stories about ghosts at Muncaster involve Tom Fool, the castle’s former jester. Some say he is still causing mischief today, around 400 years after he lived at the castle.

Tales are also told of the Muncaster Boggle or White Lady, who reportedly haunts the gardens and roadways around Muncaster.

Peter Frost-Pennington, whose family own the castle, said: “People are fascinated with Muncaster’s spooky history and reputation for being one of Britain’s most haunted castles, so we want to offer them the chance to track down one of our ghosts for themselves.

“Our entertaining ghost tours enable families to have fun exploring the castle by torchlight as well as enjoying lots of other Halloween activities throughout the week.”

The week will also feature a ghostly grotto, including games, face painting and other fun children’s activities, from 3pm until 5pm.

Joel Dickinson will take to the stage each evening from 5pm, except November 2, with his popular magic show.

After dark, the gardens and castle will light up with an array of multi-coloured lights until 9pm each evening.

The display will include a creepy show with ghosts and witches projected on to the walls of the castle.

There will also be nightly talks on Cumbrian Halloween traditions and stories, and the Juggling Inferno will wow the crowds with his dare-devil fire juggling performances until November 1.

Any children wearing fancy dress get free entry throughout the week and on Halloween Night itself.

For full details and prices visit www.muncaster.co.uk or call 01229 717614 to book your advance tickets.