DURHAM'S ghostly and bloody past is being revealed to sightseers as part of a drive to get youngsters interested in history.

As part of the national Heritage Open Days weekend that starts today, families can take a walk on the supernatural side through the ancient city streets of Durham.

English Heritage and Durham City Council are holding two free guided ghosts walks tomorrow - one is already fully booked - when the city's spectral characters will be brought back to life by actors.

Jimmy Allen died in 1802 in the dungeons beneath Elvet Bridge, now a bar.

He was sentenced to death for stealing a horse in 1803, but according to legend he died in the jail, 48 hours after a Royal pardon arrived.

Owner Steve Anderson said: "There are a lot of strange noises, but nobody has seen him. Nobody likes to be left in here on their own.''

There are eight reputed ghosts on the tour, including the Grey Lady, the wife of a medieval Bishop of Durham who fell to her death down a staircase at Durham Castle. People who take the tour will also be able to "meet'' Mary Ann Cotton, the West Auckland poisoner, who was believed to have taken 21 lives, and was hanged in Durham in 1873.

Places on the walk, which starts at 4pm in the Market Place, are free, but have to be booked at Durham Tourist Information Centre on 0191- 384 3720.