Renowned for his ghost walks – first of Clitheroe and then neighbouring town and villages – Simon's knowledge of all things otherworldy has earned him a reputation as Clitheroe's master of the macabre.

Now his fame is to spread still further, with Simon to feature on American TV.

"I have, these past four years, provided tours of the Grade I listed Samlesbury Hall," explained Simon, "a building spanning some seven centuries and with stories of beheading, murders and cruelty.

"Of course these stories do make up a good entertaining tour for tourists. I recently received a telephone call from a Los Angeles-based TV company which produces 'Ghost Hunters International' – a show with a huge audience in the United States.

"They had heard of Samlesbury Hall's reputation as one of the most haunted places in Britain and wanted to have a four-day investigation in the building.

"I met the team last week and gave them a guided tour through the hall's rooms. I was invited back two days later to hear from the show's presenters about just what they found. I have to say I was truly amazed by their findings, but I'm sworn to secrecy until the show is broadcast on the American Network in the Autumn."

The show will also be available to view in the UK through the Discovery Channel, on satellite TV, but there are no details of when it will be screened.

Simon has a new tour running in Slaidburn and will be back on BBC North West Tonight in the autumn to feature "heroes and villains" from the region's past.