FOUR fearless women are preparing to spend the night in the company of ghosts, ghouls and phantoms to raise money for the Abbeyfield care home where they work.

Nicola Spedding, manager of Cove House in Silverdale, will be joined by care workers Mandy Bleasdale, Sarah Blackwood and Nicola Stubbs on the evening of June 24, when they will endeavour to get some sleep in the haunted rooms of Levens Hall.

According to legend, several ghosts inhabit the stately home, parts of which date back to the 14th Century. The most famous is the Grey Lady, who is thought to have been a gypsy woman who laid a curse on the family house after being turned away, starving, from the door.

Mrs Spedding admitted she was the most sceptical of the group. "Cove House needs a lot of repairs and we desperately need to raise some funds for the maintenance to be carried out," she said.

"We plan to arrive at Levens Hall at 10pm and then try to get some sleep, although I have a feeling Mrs Bagot (the present owner) is going to try to spook us.

"I admit I am a bit apprehensive, but I am not sure if I believe in ghosts, although the other girls are quite scared."

More fund-raising events will be planned over the summer. If you would like to make a donation, contact Cove House on 01524-701219.