JONATHAN REDHEAD A Norfolk-based paranormal expert is set to take his nights of ghost-hunting across the country after success at one of Suffolk's best-known stately homes.

JONATHAN REDHEAD

A Norfolk-based paranormal expert is set to take his nights of ghost-hunting across the country after success at one of Suffolk's best-known stately homes.

Richard Buckland, who lives near Yarmouth, is the brains behind the Nights of Fright, held at Somerleyton Hall, near Lowestoft.

Mr Buckland, the UK's leading specialist trance medium, is accompanied by other experts as he guides guests around areas of the hall normally closed to the public in the hope of stirring up some paranormal activity with ghost walks and seances.

Two highly successful events have seen the 800-year-old estate reveal some of its many secrets, leaving the majority of the 100 brave guests scared and intruged.

Now, following that success, Mr Buckland is discovering that people across the country are keen to find out about possible ghosts and ghouls in their neck of the woods.

"The event was a huge success with many visitors taking away many spooky experiences and encounters from this previously uninvestigated stately home," said Mr Buckland.

"Many spirits reside within Somerleyton Hall and its beautiful gardens, and some of them did make their presence felt as darkness fell around the 800-year-old estate.

"I never realised so many people had a keen interest in the paranormal.

"People from all over the country have asked me to host our nights at their venue, so why not?

"If people want to experience the paranormal at first hand, then let's do it!"

As well as events around the country, Mr Buckland is still planning plenty of visits to Somerleyton Hall during 2005.

"Planning for future events is still very much in the early stages and we have also secured some English Heritage properties around the UK," he said.

"However, many dates are being set aside at Somerleyton Hall for future events and the response has been amazing

"We are also planning to do ghost walks around the hall and gardens during the spring and summer."

The next Night of Fright at Somerleyton Hall takes place on Saturday, March 5, at 7pm.

Tickets cost £85, which includes a meal and access to Room 7 – open to the public for the first time, having been completely shut since 1981.

Paranormal historian Richard Felix will also be at the event.

For tickets, call 0871 222 4244 or check out www.nights-of-fright.com

If you are interested in ghostly goings-on, visit our website on www.edp24.co.uk/spookynorfolk