A POPULAR tour guide cited as one of the area’s ‘tourism superstars’ has published a book based on historic ghost stories and folklore.

Simon Entwistle, from Clitheroe, has been telling spooky stories for a living for more than 15 years.

He also conducts regular tours around Blackburn, Darwen, Towneley Hall and Pendle Hill, looking at some of the most interesting characters and ghostly stories from history.

Ghostly Tales Of The Unexpected is the first book he has authored and he has tapped into his vast knowledge of ‘dark tales’ from around the towns and hamlets of East Lancashire to write it.

Simon, said: ”I do get asked on my tours if I have ever written a book so I decided to go ahead with one.

“The vast majority of people in the book have never existed, but the towns and villages certainly have.

“Some stories are based on local folklore and some purely from my imagination.

“I do feel that one or two stories would make very good dramas.

“There are heroes and villains and many ghostly encounters.”

Settings for the fictitious stories include Clitheroe, Whalley, Blackburn and Darwen.

The book has been launched to coincide with the Blackburn Heritage Festival set for later this week.

As part of the festivities Simon will be conducting a guided town tour at 1pm on Saturday from the railway station.

Simon, added: “My wife is my biggest critic but she rates my Blackburn walk to be the most action- packed.

“We cover four Victoria cross winners, four rather nasty Victorian murders and three ghostly encounters.

“We also cover Alfred Wainwright plus the town’s role in the English Civil War.”

The book Ghostly Tales Of The Unexpected is priced £5.99 and can be obtained through Amazon and also downloaded by Kindle.