Both believers and sceptics are welcome to join an audience with a renowned clairvoyant who writes a regular column for the Northern Echo's website.

John Bland claims he can communicate with spirit "helpers'' who can bring news from beyond the grave, using a gift he has had since childhood.

Already a regular at a number of spiritualist churches across the region, he plans a tour later this year.

The opening event on his schedule has already been held in Middlesbrough but the next is on Wednesday, April 9, at The Dolphin Centre on Horsemarket, Darlington, from 6.30pm.

Others then follow at 6.30pm on Tuesday, April 15, at the Burton Stone Community Centre, Evelyn Crescent, York; at 7.30pm on Wednesday, May 14, at the Ripon Leisure Centre on the city's Dallamires Lane and at 6.30pm on Tuesday, November 11, at the Sunnyfield House Community Centre on Westgate in Guisborough.

Admission at each of the events costs £4.

Others are also planned in Harrogate, Leeds and County Durham, although venues, dates and times have yet to be confirmed.

Details will be posted online at www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk