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Nestling in my favourite part of King's Lynn, The Tudor Rose Hotel is a fascinating building with plenty of twists and turns through curious rooms and corridors added throughout its mysterious past.

Owner Charles, his son Jack and members of staff are as open-minded about the possible existence of spirits from 'the other side' as I am.

But after saying that, they each had a story or two to tell of inexplicable goings-on their. Charles is certainly not out to capitalise on any mystery or myth. That's obvious.

Dawn Smith, our medium and guide for the night, is convinced there are spirits lurking there.

We began with a chat in the bar, me with my audio recorder, Nanette with a video camera and Sally with a night vision camcorder.

Dawn demonstrated her own device, designed to detect magnetic fields. It's about the size of a remote control, with a single button on one side and a VU meter, similar to the type you used to see on hi-fi systems, on the front.

When a signal or 'presence is detected, it makes a wonderful squealing noise.

She was keen to point out that some household items such as radio alarm clocks and television sets can interfere with signals – she didn't want to build up any false hopes.

But within the space of a few seconds her detector howled and Dawn was describing the spirit presence of a man standing among us.

It occurred to me that we might, just might, be treading through hundreds of years of untapped history.

We ventured upstairs to room seven, thought to be the most frequented by spirits – nothing. Not a crackle.

But my room for the night, 11, gave Dawn the shakes. At one point she had to sit down to compose herself.

As the squealing began, she entered into a conversation with a woman from the dim and distant past (who didn’t like men!). Dawn asked her to move to room seven. Which, we are told, she did.

On its screen was what appeared to be a ghostly image of a lady in Victorian attire with baby in arms. The picture had been clicked on a staircase where, Dawn explained, the lady in question often whisked up and down.

Jody the chef had taken the shot. He joined us on the landing but seemed quite unruffled by the experience.

As for bumps in the night, I slept like a log from the moment my head hit the pillow.

I think I heard something, a bump or clunk, but it could have been part of a dream.

Having slumbered on site, I enjoyed a bit of a sleep-in next day, not my usual 3am alarm call, but a luxurious 5.30am.

Oddly enough, by morning I was feeling very much at home. Perhaps it was friendly spirits, maybe the welcoming staff. Or was it because I can nod off anywhere?

I’m doubtful, but my mind remains open. However, all of this has given me food for thought. Why do we search? What do we hope to find? Is there anybody there? If there are signs and signals, are they really spirits from the past? Could it be something else?