Hartlepool-based Paranormal group Old Haunts is preparing to explore three prominent local locations in the dead of night for the first time.

The first event, at the Headland's Borough Hall on Saturday, March 8 is a sell-out after the group appealed for brave souls to take part in the Mail last week.

And tickets for an overnight vigil at the Town Hall Theatre, in Raby Road on Saturday, April 12, are selling well, according to Old Haunts member Andrea Vasey.

Andrea, who works for Hartlepool Borough Council and lives in Seaton Carew, said: "We have got 25 people for the Borough Hall event.

"We are keeping numbers low as the whole point is to get everybody involved so they can take part in all the experiments.

"The buildings are believed to be haunted but have never been the subject of paranormal research before.

"People have sensed presences and smelled things there which just can't be accounted for."

The group will be joined by spiritualist medium Dave Williams, from Dudley in the West Midlands.

He said: "Some people are prone to criticise events like these, but they shouldn't do so until they have taken part in one."

A third vigil open to the public will be held at the White Horse community centre in Eden Lane, Peterlee on Friday June 13.

Old Haunts is also looking forward to revisiting the Heugh Battery on the Headland in May as they believe recent restoration work may have unearthed new spirits.

"From visits we have done ourselves we think the work has made a difference to the paranormal activity," added Andrea.

For tickets and more details contact Andrea on 07711 994550.