The Ghost Detective, also known as Gary Goldthorpe, is dedicated to investigating paranormal activity in and around York. He took time out of his ghost-bustingly tight schedule to answer some questions.
How did you get into investigating ghosts?
"I started doing ghost walks and then realised I actually wanted to find out whether the stories were true, so I went and asked the people who lived in the places where ghosts had been sighted.
"I wanted to find out the facts. I then joined an organisation called the Ghost Club (formed 1862) to investigate ghosts and have taken part and organised overnight vigils in haunted places.
"The equipment you need is a good quality recording device (a tape or minidisc recorder), temperature sensor probes and an electromagnetic frequency detector."
When did you see your first ghost?
"The first time I ever saw something that I couldn't explain was in the summer of 1997 at Barley Hall in York. I saw a shaft of blueish-white light that shouldn't have been there in a gloomy corridor. It appeared for a few moments and then disappeared.
"I like to take a scientific approach to ghost hunting and am naturally very sceptical. But I have seen unexpected activity on the instruments."
What's your favourite scary film?
"The original 1960s version of The Haunting."
Do you have a favourite York ghost story?
"The story in the virtual tour above about the Bedern area of York and the evil Mr Pimm."
The scariest place in York is...
"The Tax Office."
What's your top tip for wannabee ghost detectives?
"The easiest way to get into ghost investigation is to get a good quality recording device (a tape recorder or md recorder). Leave it in a quiet place which you think may be haunted and record for an hour or so. Then listen to it with the volume turned up as high as it will go.
"People have done this and discovered voices or sounds in the recording that should not be there.
"Obviously, make sure you are safe and not going round these deserted places alone - also make sure your recording equipment is not at risk."
What would you say to sceptics?
"It is healthy to be sceptical, but not a good idea to poo-poo everything out of hand.
"You have to have an open mind, it is not a good idea to dismiss everything - you don't always know what's out there!"
The Ghost Detective will also answer to the name Gary Goldthorpe
