EXPECT your spine to tingle and the hairs on the back of your neck to stand on end as paranormal activity reaches a worldwide high in one of the region's most historic cities.

Hundreds of wandering souls have remained in the mortal realm and made their presence felt in York, a city famous for its history of conflict and tragedy.

And their eerie attraction to many old pubs, castles and churches has led to experts naming York the most haunted city in the world.

The findings follow months of intensive research by The Ghost Research Foundation International (GRFI), the figurehead of which is Jason Karl, para-psychologist and presenter of Most Haunted, on Living TV.

"I love York, and have spent a considerable amount of time here both professionally and personally," said Mr Karl, co-founder of GRFI.

"Although I remain an arch-sceptic, I have seen more things go bump in the night in York than any other city I have visited in the world."

Boasting 504 recorded hauntings, York appears to be streets ahead of other major cities, with the survey showing Los Angeles, US, to have 330, Brisbane, Australia, 250, and Paris 59.

To impress paranormal enthusiasts further, York can also claim to have a ghost from every period in history - from pre-Roman times to the present day.

Gillian Cruddas, chief executive of York Tourism Bureau, said: "We're delighted that GRFI have declared York the most haunted city in the world.

"York is a city with 2,000 years of history, so its not surprising that we have so many ghost stories."

So people popping in for a drink at The Roman Bath Pub, watching a play at the Theatre Royal, or taking a trip to York Dungeon, should be aware that the strange figure standing next to them may not be all they seem.