THE spirit of ghost tour guide Simon Entwistle has to be admired. Just three weeks ago he lost his job as a gardener with Ribble Valley Council when it failed to secure a housing contract.

Mr Entwistle had worked for the authority for 26 years and finding himself out of work must have been a bodyblow.

But already the 54-year-old has hatched plans to make a full time career out of his hobby.

For many years the Clitheroe town councillor has spent his spare time conducting walking tours around Lancashire.

His ghost walks and guided heritage trails have become popular fixtures enjoyed by thousands of people, who have learnt many fascinating facts about the county’s history.

Now he intends through his Top Hat Tours business to bring people from across Britain to our area so they can find out more about what it has to offer.

Mr Entwistle has a good track record when it comes to attracting publicity, having appeared on TV in both Britain and America thanks to his talent at making realistic sound effects.

And he will no doubt give his best to make sure his new business takes off. We wish him every success.