WHEN a wooden cross was thrown across a room inside the 17th Century Merry Monk pub, in Bishop Auckland, almost as soon as a team of paranormal investigators got there, they knew they were in for a lively night.

The evening saw the discovery of hot and cold spots, the sights and sounds of a mystery hound – and the capturing on camera of a ghostly monk who is said to haunt his namesake building.

The image, which is believed to show the monk eerily staring out into the darkness, was taken by Spectre Detectors, led by Elaine Kelly.

The team set up cameras in order to record as much paranormal movement as possible in the pub, which has a recently discovered tunnel leading to Auckland Castle.

Mrs Kelly said: “Almost as soon as we got in there a wooden cross was thrown from the mantel piece across the room.

“We went into the cellar and there were also a lot of hot and cold spots - it is highly unusual to have hot spots in a stone room like that. I also felt a burning sensation on my face.

“According to legend a monk who roamed there was flogged and burned at the stake, and I think that was why I got that sensation.

“People who stayed in the pub claimed to have heard Gregorian chanting.”

It is believed that the local monks brewed their alcohol in the cellar, then used the tunnel to transport it to the castle, away from the public eye.

It is also understood that the building was also used as an orphanage, and the monks would help to care for the children there.

As well as showing the monk, the Spectre Detectors managed to capture image of a dog.

Mrs Kelly, who carried out the investigation last weekend, claimed that the ghost hunters could also hear the sounds of barking and howling coming from the cellar.

The 42-year-old added: “It was one of the most active nights I have ever done.

“We all had various personal experiences, including temperature fluctuations, feelings, we heard tap responses, and unusual drafts.

“We heard various sounds including what can only be described as someone standing on a plastic bottle only we couldn’t find anything on the floor.

“One of the mediums put a rosary bead chain around her wrist and it started to sway quite rapidly.

“It’s a fantastic building, steeped in history and we can’t wait to return and investigate more.”

Christian Burns, owner of the Merry Monk said temperatures plummet in the pub’s cellar, and that ex-staff have said they “feel like they are being watched” down there.

When he took over the pub in December of last year he was given log book which documented paranormal events including many sightings of the monk.

He said: “I am the biggest sceptic to walk the streets but there have been a lot of unexplained things happening here.”

He added: “The place just intrigues me - I have read logs about old members of staff feeling uncomfortable and “watched”. I really enjoyed the paranormal investigation.”