HAUNTED pubs are to play host to a team of spirited friends looking to uncover their oldest regulars. A new group of ghost-hunters, calling themselves Spooks Paranormal Investigations, are to shine the spotlight on things that go bump in the night across South Cheshire. With members drawn from Crewe, they are keen to focus on old pubs in the area where strange sightings and sounds have been reported. On Saturday, the team will spend the night at the Badger Inn, at Church Minshull, where the new landlord, Richard Lewis, shares his home with all manner of unwanted guests. The 18th Century coaching inn is spooked by a Victorian lady wafting through archways, a little girl who can be heard giggling, a friendly dog and an old regular nicknamed Ernie still smoking his pipe. Doors open and close on their own, pool balls rearrange themselves and the last orders bell is sounded in the night. Spokeswoman Sarah Hinett, 27, of Elm Drive, Crewe, said: 'The popularity of shows like Most Haunted has made the paranormal popular. 'Within a few months of being founded we had nine members and now with all the equipment we need, we want to specialise in investigations. 'The problem is many venues now charge amateur ghost-hunters or have had a bad experience with groups which have not taken the matter seriously. 'So we are grateful to Richard to give us the opportunity to find out more about his pub's hauntings.' Members are friends who work at Airbags International in Congleton and Murfs Autos in Chesterton. Their first investigation was at Tutbury Castle where, in the dungeon, they heard scraping and turned to see a dark man standing in a corner. The group makes use of night vision digital camcorders, motion sensors and thermometers as well as a range of complex machines recording electromagnetic fields. They have become specialists in Electronic Voice Phenomena, using EVP equipment which sends out ultrasonic sounds so high pitched only animals can hear them. As well as the more scientific ways of gathering evidence, they use clocks, divining-rods, candles and Ouija boards to delve deep into the world beyond. The group has sent out 12 letters in the hope of being invited to other venues including Alvaston Hall and the Lyceum Theatre, in Crewe, reputed to be haunted by a monk, a Victorian actor and a ballet dancer who hung herself. For more information on Spooks Paranormal Investigations, call Sarah Hinett on 07843 093996. | 
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