Your chance to be a Ghostbuster!

MEMBERS of the public are being invited to turn Ghostbusters and investigate paranormal activity at a historic Clerkenwell court-house.

The London Paranormal Society has arranged a public investigation of The Old Sessions House, in Clerkenwell Green, next month.

When it opened in 1782, the Sessions House was the largest court house in England and had a terrible reputation for the harshness of its penalties - from flogging and hanging to transportation to the colonies.

In recent years, apparitions have been seen, poltergeist activity is said to be responsible for slamming doors and foreboding feelings, and a Victorian man manifests on the stairs.

Ian Shillito, founder of The London Paranormal Society, said: "One school of thought suggests that left over emotional fingerprints are one possible cause of a ghost sighting, and the stronger the emotion the darker the stain it leaves behind.

"The Old Sessions House was one of the capital's largest courthouses was notorious for sending its convicted to Australia or worse, the hangman's noose.

"The residual emotion, suffering, angst and anger, should plenty. Several ghostly characters have been seen and we aim to get to the bottom of it. This is the first time, a paranormal group has been allowed into the house, I can't wait."

The Old sessions House is now a conference centre and Freemasons' headquarters, but the dungeon bar and old cells still exist. Tunnels running underneath the courthouse are said to lead to the infamous Clerkenwell House of Detention

Mr Shillito, who has appeared on Living TV's Most Haunted, said: "The night will consist of a welcome meeting, brief talk about ghosts and spirits, group and lone vigils and accredited psychics and paranormal investigators.

"You will be encouraged to be pro-active during the base line tests and get the chance to monitor our ghost hunting gadgets throughout the night, and develop your psychic skills."

The public ghost investigation will take place on Saturday August 25 from 9pm to 4am.

The cost is £55 per person including refreshments. To book a place or for more information you can visit the website www.londonparanormalsociety.co.uk