A GROUP of psychics are set to return to their old retreat following a series of bumps in the night...

Preston Psychic Club are to hold regular seances at the Unicorn pub after it was discovered that it harboured a ghost dating back to the 16th Century.

Reports of glasses and beer bottles being mysteriously moved and bar stools being tipped over has convinced the group to up sticks and return to their old stomping ground.

The club used to use the Unicorn on North Road several years ago, but had decided to move to Emmanuel Street Labour Club after a wrangle with the then-landlord.

Current landlords Jenny and Mike Smith, who have run the Unicorn for the past three years, are comfortable at the prospect of having more spirits than just what's on their optics!

Mike, from Preston, joked: "I've been told that the ghost must like us here, because the last three landlords only lasted for a couple of months before leaving!" One notorious tale Mike likes to tell his regulars happened some months ago.

"I was standing at the bar one night when someone or something smacked me on the back of the neck," he said.

"I shot round but the nearest person was standing at the other side of the pub!"

Mike added that the pub, owned by Scottish and Newcastle, stands on the site of an old slaughter house and near Preston's ancient hanging gallows.

It has also been said that, over the years, at least three people have died on the premises.

The club's opening night starts next Monday (July 10) at 8pm with clairvoyant Heather Rogers making a guest appearance. For more details, call (01772) 827073.