The group of amateur "ghost-hunters" brought their sophisticated equipment to the antiquated theatre after staff had reported feeling uneasy in the cellar. It is also believed to have a resident ghost.

The 1,700-seat venue has been a theatre and music hall, cinema, and latterly, the home of Palace Bingo. In the past it was the place where the town's St John's Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society staged performances.

Perhaps the most dramatic performance was reserved for the paranormal group, though, as mediums Harry Dahmke and Ann Hulme felt the presence of former workers.

Ann reported feeling cold and refused to go back into the cellar after first venturing in. She sensed the presence of an usherette from the 1950s whose boyfriend always sat in seat number six.

East Lancashire News photographer Andrew Smith said: "It was a good night and we really enjoyed the investigation. It is a grand old building and a shame it will be pulled down.

"Our mediums sensed some activity, but we have hours of video footage to now investigate to see if anything shows up. There were some interesting little corners and plenty of dust. We will now see if there was anyone down there with us."

The group arranges a meeting with the owners of each property, before an investigation, to find out what kind of activity has been witnessed.
Andrew added: "At the investigation, a series of baseline tests – initial readings that are used as control measurements which we compare later with other readings – using equipment including EMF (Electromagnetic Field Testers) and temperature are conducted.

Depending upon what activity is known then humidity, light and decibel measurements may also be taken using an environment meter. We then undertake vigils, in the areas considered to be the most active, to monitor any activity."

The group is available for hire and can be contacted at www.clitheroeparanormal.com