IT is said to be haunted by a judge who couldn't move on, a family hanged for stealing food, and a mystery lady who wonders the halls.

And later this month visitors to Monmouth's Shire Hall will get the chance to experience spooky activity at the historic building for themselves, with a special evening of paranormal investigation.

The paranormal evening on January 28 is the first time the Shire Hall has opened up such events to the public, although clubs and societies regularly hire out the venue for private investigations.

Shire Hall manager Mike Booth said the event will be run by RIP South Wales - a team of paranormal investigators who use scientific equipment, including cameras, sound recorders, temperature sensors, ultrasound, motion sensors, and electromagnetic frequency meters, to look for evidence of the paranormal Mr Booth said: "They're good fun, whether you're a sceptic or you believe in it. It's recording what happens when everyone goes home."

The Shire Hall, which was first built in 1724, has a long history of haunting tales.

It is said to be inhabited by spirits including a judge, and family sentenced in hang for stealing food, and the ghosts of three girls charged with witchcraft.

Mr Booth said staff have also reported sightings of a mystery woman walking into rooms, but when they follow her there is no one there.

But he said that the paranormal evenings were not designed to frighten anyone.

He said: "It's a nice friendly atmosphere, and it's more about seeing if there's anything that can be demonstrated using these recording techniques."

The paranormal evening on January 28 will include one session for anyone over the age of 13, and another for over 18s. Both will include a tour of the Shire Hall, which was also the venue for the Chartist Uprising trial, a presentation on the equipment, and a mini investigation at a cost of £16 per person. An overnight investigation will also be held on April 14.

For more details telephone 01600 775257.