PARANORMAL investigators are to explore the oldest inn in a North-East town to see what’s hiding in the shadows.

The Black Lion Inn, in Richmond, will welcome the Hartlepool Paranormal Investigations team to scour the premises for spooky goings-on.

The Inn, which dates to 1697, is offering visitors the chance to stay over on the night of the spectral search.

Les Calvert, owner, said: “We are known to have various sightings. Staff report sounds coming from the room where the maids lived such as children crying.

“One guest who didn’t know anything about the building being haunted believes he saw a hooded figure standing at the window.

“It turned and floated towards the bed, and touched his wife on the lips as if to tell her to be quiet before drifting back across the room.”

Richmond is renowned for the drummer boy legend, which dates to the end of the 18th century.

Soldiers discovered a tunnel under the keep of Richmond Castle, and they selected a boy to pass through whilst beating his drum so they could plot the route.

When they reached Easby Wood, half a mile from the Abbey, the drumming stopped and he was never seen again.

The team believe the former Georgian coach house is an apt setting, as part of the tunnel sits under the building and there have been numerous claims of the sound of drums from the cellar.

The event will take place this Friday from 8pm until midnight with the option of staying over.

Tickets are £35. To book, call 07956-727118.