A GHOSTLY spectre is set to spook visitors to Darlington's Art Centre when they get a rare glimpse behind-the-scenes next weekend. The chilling Grey Lady has been spotted by staff and visitors to the centre in Vane Terrace and her story will be retold during next weekend's special events.

The Arts Centre is one of the properties in the North-East which is opening its doors to give visitors a unique chance to look at what goes on behind the scenes. Many are opening this weekend but all Darlington events are being held next week.

All the sightings of the Grey Lady have been in the west wing, on a winding staircase that goes up four floors. The lady is said to be a single student who lived at the Art Centre when it was a teacher training college in the 1800s. She fell pregnant and rather than deal with the consequences she decide to commit suicide in a gruesome fashion. Climbing to the top of the staircase, she hurled herself off the top balcony and was killed instantly. Cracked tiles on the floor below the staircase are said to mark the spot where the tragic young woman died.

Spokesman for the Arts Centre Paul Bains said: "I have never seen the ghost myself but a lot of people have and the story is well known by everyone here."

The Arts Centre building was used as Darlington College of Education for 102 years. There were originally just 31 students, but this built up to 200.

The first principal was a woman - Fanny Smallbones, who was appointed in January 1878 - but she had to step down when she married William Spafford, her vice-principal. The sensibilities of the day meant the college's committee would not allow the new Mrs Spafford to be her husband's boss and remarkably, when she stepped down, he was given her job.

In the Second World War, the tower which overlooks the front courtyard and still provides a spectacular view, was a look-out post for the army. For a period of two days during the First World War, it had served as a top secret operations centre. The college closed in 1978 and pressure began almost immediately for it to be converted into an Arts Centre.

In 1982, the Arts Centre was opened and at that time it was the second largest in the country outside London and was compared to the Barbican.

As well as containing a theatre, lecture rooms, bars and a cinema, the Arts Centre runs a bed and breakfast business called Blanche Pease House which offers accommodation to foreign students and travellers. To book a place on a tour of the Arts Centre or any of the other Darlington attractions, call (01325) 388666. All tours are free.