A weekly newspaper has published a special “witching” edition to mark the 400th anniversary of the Lancashire Witch Trials.

The Lancaster Guardian has produced the edition this week, 400 years after ten men and women were executed on moors near the city after being found guilty of murder by witchcraft at Lancaster Castle.

The story about the witch trials still attracts visitors to the area and the paper’s edition has seen its front page transformed and an eight-page pullout produced.

Reporter Nick Lakin has worked on the project over the last few weeks, putting together stories, facts, a map and a guide to events taking place to mark the anniversary.

He said: “I was raised in Clitheroe, close to Pendle Hill, and then moved to Lancaster, where the trials and executions took place, so I’ve experienced both sides of the story.

“Having spoken to historians, tourism experts, and others who have studied the events, it’s clear that these were dark and turbulent times in early seventeenth century Lancashire.

“The general perception is of pointy hats, warty noses, broomsticks and spells, but what I have discovered says more about the persecution, superstition, fear and authoritarianism around at the time.

“It certainly makes for interesting reading, and I have enjoyed seeing the project grow from a few initial ideas into a high-quality eight page supplement.”

Guardian editor Nicola Adam added: “Nick has done a fantastic job. He is really passionate about the subject matter which shines through the finished product.”

A special section of the paper’s website will be updated throughout the year.