OVER the years I have developed a keen interest in ghost hunting.

However, it does attract some zany characters.

I always keep an open mind at an investigation and I do not think that every tap or door opening is caused by a spirit.

On one particular investigation, at the Schooner Hotel, in Alnmouth – a location that is genuinely haunted – I talked to a guest who claimed that his wife could float in midair.

There was also a time when I received an email from a gentleman who stated that his parrot was possessed by the spirit of a French sailor.

I have also witnessed a lady burst into song. She later claimed that she was encouraged to do so by the spirit of Sir Harry Secombe.

This is all very true and it has often made me ponder if ghost investigations actually attract gifted individuals with contact to the spirit world or just folks who have fantastic, but weird, imaginations?

Either way, I take all their declarations seriously and I encourage readers to go on a ghost hunt if they ever get the chance.

You meet some fascinating people at such events.

Christopher Wardell, Darlington.