PARANORMAL investigators are heading for Melrose.

And they are inviting ghost hunters to join them for a night in one of the region's spookiest hotels.

For decades staff and guests at the George and Abbotsford have reported eerie goings on.

And it's hoped that the professionals from UK and Scottish Ghost Nights will be able to get to the bottom of a few of the bumps in the night.

Lisa Tedstill from UK and Scottish Ghost Nights told us: "We were invited to investigate the location by the new owners who reported many strange goings on.

"Staff have reported poltergeist activity, lights switching on by themselves and the poor chef even had her hair pulled so hard she fell backwards.

"We are quite surprised they have not all run away yet - and we are very excited to spend the night there."

The historic George and Abbotsford dates back to the early 1800s with extensions added towards the latter part of the 19th century.

Members of the ghost-hunting team have already carried out a site visit.

And they are convinced there are more spirits to be found than just those in the bottles.

Lisa added: "On a site visit during the day, when the hotel was empty, we experienced a door handle rattling on its own, knocking on doors and a very disturbing growling sound coming from within one of the main bedroom corridors.

"We half expected a little boy on a trike to start trundling down the corridor."

"The George and Abbotsford Hotel is a rabbit warren of a location, and it is the quintessential haunted hotel with years of history and ghost stories to tell."

Tickets to take part in the ghost hunt on Saturday, March 14 from 9pm to 2am cost £39 and are available from www.ukghostnights.co.uk

For the really brave there is also the opportunity to book an overnight room.