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HUNTER OF GHOSTS IS SPOOKED AT HOSPITAL DAY ROOM

A Group of people who search for paranormal activity have strengthened claims that a disused hospital which is in the process of being demolished is haunted.

Earlier this month, the Evening Telegraph reported how demolition workers in the grounds of the Grove Hospital, in Shardlow, had heard "inexplicable banging noises" and had noticed circular lights on pictures taken in the building.

After reading the story, members of Derby Paranormal Hunters told of their own experiences in the hospital.

Eric Walker-Endsor, a member of the group, described one experience at the hospital as the most frightening during his time as a ghost-hunter.

Mr Walker-Endsor, 59, said: "My experience at the Grove Hospital when trying to enter the day room was very scary.

"I tried to go in but the door wouldn't open and, when it did, I found myself being held and prevented from either entering or moving back into the main ward.

"The hospital is a wonderful place, with so much more to offer."

The paranormal hunters hold events in spooky locations to raise money for charity. They held a number of events at the Grove during 2006. The hospital closed in December 2005.

To date, the group has raised more than £12,000 for Children In Need.

Mr Walker-Endsor said that the group encountered some "very nice" spirits, which communicated with them, but there were a few which were "not so nice".

He said that the hospital and its grounds have active spirits, some of which do not mind visitors, while others do not want visitors at all.

Another group of people also interested in the paranormal have spoken about experiences at the hospital.

Paul Prole, founder of the Tameside paranormal group, has visited the site four times since the hospital closed.

He said: "The Grove is definitely one of the best paranormally-active places I've been to and it's a shame that it's being pulled down to be replaced by houses."

People who are interested in the paranormal have travelled from as far afield as Scotland, Dorset, Manchester and Merseyside to visit the Grove Hospital

Last year, Miller Homes agreed to buy the site from Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust for more than £2.5m.

Final contracts are expected to be exchanged by next year and permission has been granted for the building of 59 homes on the site.

When contacted by the Evening Telegraph yesterday, Miller Homes refused to comment about the ghostly allegations.