A ghostly challenge awaits the editor and deputy editor of the Matlock Mercury this Hallowe’en… in a bid to raise cash for two of the paper’s appeals.

Amanda Hatfield and Helen Taylor are planning to spend the night in a haunted hotel in the Peak District and are inviting readers to sponsor their dare.

The money will go towards the Mercury’s Ambulance Appeal and Matlock Town FC Stand Appeal.

The courageous duo will stay in the most haunted room of the Castle Hotel, Castleton, which is said to have at least four resident ghosts.

Regular ‘visitors’ to the room include a man only visible from the knees up – who has been known to tuck people in at night – and a lady in grey, nicknamed Rose, who committed suicide there after being jilted on her wedding day.

Deputy editor Helen said: “We have lots of appeals running at the moment and we’ve been asking people to give money but we thought we should do something ourselves.

“We wanted to do something a bit fun and decided it would be good to spend a night in a haunted house so we had a look at a few websites and found the Castle Hotel in the Peak District.

“Apparently there are at least four resident ghosts and we’re hoping to see the man who tucks you in at night! We’re not nervous but I’m sure we will be on the night!

“We would like to get £300 but we’ve just got to see what support we get.”