Ghost walker John Girvan knows how to send a shiver down your spineDON'T look now, but you could be being watched. Devizes has more than its fair share of haunted properties and one man knows more about them than any other.

Local historian and blacksmith John Girvan has become well known for his night-time ghost walks around the town. He has been scaring the living daylights of locals and visitors for 12 years and his unearthly tours of the town show no signs of falling off in popularity.

The walk begins on the steps of the Market Cross, across the road from the famous Bear Hotel, originally a 16th century coaching inn.

According to Mr Girvan, the Grey Lady makes her presence known at what is now the hotel's reception area. When she was first seen the hotel was two separate buildings divided by private apartments. At that time a lady draped in grey was seen passing through the corridor of these apartments before disappearing through the wall.

Mr Girvan walk takes in St John's churchyard and the site of the town's gallows on Estcourt Hill. There is a pause here and with two dowsing rods, Mr Girvan demonstrates the power of the place. The rods turn through 90 degrees as he approaches the centre of the site.

The piece de resistance of the evening's tour is a visit to the 15th century buildings in St John's Alley. Here the ghost of a little old lady is frequently to be seen on the upper floor of Mrs Pressley's hat shop.

The tour ends with an unnerving finale which we will not divulge. We wouldn't want to spoil it!

The walks run from October to April, or later if there is demand. Call (01380) 721759 (day) or 725018 (evening) or visit www.devizestours.co.uk