GHOST hunters are being invited to a festival celebrating York's haunted heritage.

The second York Ghost Week runs from Sunday, October 24 to Sunday, October 31, and aims to be a celebration for all the family.

Organised by York Ghost Merchants, on Shambles - the only ghost merchants still trading in the 21st century - the event highlights include a trail where decorated ghost statues will take up posts in windows off the beaten track throughout the week.

York Press:

There will also be an installation of one thousand ghosts in the basement of the Mansion House.

Angus McArthur, owner of York Ghost Merchants, said: “Ghosts are firmly embedded in the very fabric of the city.

"As the city’s only ghost merchants, bound by the traditions imposed by The Sorrowful Guild of Master Ghost Makers, we feel it is our duty to celebrate their impact and the marvellous stories about them to as wide an audience as possible.”

He added: “York Ghosts are handmade in the traditional manner in the workshop over our remarkable shop on the extraordinary street that is the Shambles. This means that everyone gets their hands on a true original."

York Press:

York Ghost Merchants, on Shambles, is thought to be the only ghost merchants still trading in the 21st century Picture: Charlotte Graham

Handmade figures will also be hidden across the city for The Little Ghost Hunt from 6pm to 8pm, Monday to Thursday.

Anyone who finds a ghost can keep it as a memento, but is asked to only take one.

Angus said: "There will be more hiding than ever before with 100 on the streets each evening, including some rather rare, specially-created ones.”

A map is available from the Visitor Information Centre or Ghost Merchants.

The week follows the inaugural event that took place between lockdowns last year.

York Press:

“Our Ghost Week is a celebration for all the family. We are not organising frightfully scary events.

"We want this time of year to be more a reflection on old fashioned making skills, traditional values and the special atmosphere of the city – not just our handmade Ghosts but the storytellers, who can craft thought-provoking and fascinating stories that don’t rely on jumps and gore. We take our traditions seriously, and won’t skimp on quality.”

All events are free except visiting the upper floors of York Mansion House.

For details and to download a Ghost Week map, visit www.yorkghostmerchants.com