It's not for the faint-hearted, but Winchester is again offering a spine-tingling tour of the city on the spookiest night of the year.

The lantern-lit Hallowe'en walk was a sell-out last year.

Hosted by Winchester's Blue Badge tourist guides, the tour, which lasts around 90 minutes and begins outside the Tourist Information Centre, in The Broadway, kicks off as darkness falls over the historic city.

"If you're spooked by spooks and want to know more about Winchester's dark secrets, this is the one event of the year you don't want to miss," said Alison Woods, manager of the centre.

Recounting dark stories and ghostly tales, the guides will edge their way around the ancient city with their parties, stopping off at some of its most sinister sites.

There will also be a chance to catch up on some of the city's more reclusive residents - the ghosts in the cathedral, for example.

Pat Byford, one of the guides, said: "The walk begins at the tourist centre and we then go to look at some old coffins - just to put everyone in the mood!

"From there, we walk round the Weirs, where King Alfred hung some dead Danes on the walls and then along College Street with its odd happenings. Once into Cathedral Close, there are lots of reports of ghostly appearances and it always crosses my mind that we may see something - it hasn't happened yet but there's always a first time!

"Then into the High Street and on to Jewry Street and its regular ghost. On the way back, there's time for a few grisly goings-on that happened in The Castle before we reach The Square in time for our last apparition and, perhaps, a swift pint."

Book a place by ringing 01962-840500.