Staff often work late into the night in the depot's eerie offices, workshops and storage sheds, tending to the lights and tableux which draw millions of tourists to the Lancashire resort each year.

Popular TV spirit medium Derek Acorah said he experienced some paranormal activity when he visited the Rigby Road site for his series Derek Acorah's Ghost Towns, back in 2005.

And now, for the first time, members of the public are being given the chance to follow in the footsteps of the famous clairvoyant and investigate the building for themselves.

A tale is told of one supervisor who was working alone in his office in one of the sheds late at night when he heard footsteps passing his door, but could not see anybody there.

Other staff have reported feeling like there is somebody watching them or stood behind them, and objects being moved without anyone touching them.

Blackpool's Grand Theatre's marketing manager Stephen Mercer runs Supernatural Events and says he's delighted they're able to host tours of the building.

He said: "This is the first time they have had any sort of groups tour there.

"It's fantastic news for people who want to go behind the scenes."

Paranormal equipment will be used around the building, which was a donkey stable prior to becoming home to the famous Illuminations, as the tour gets under way.

The Illuminations started with a display of eight arc lamps back in 1879.

They were described as artificial sunshine and 100,000 people came to see this first great light show.

Now it takes 22 weeks to erect the Illuminations, and nine weeks to dismantle them, and costs £2.4m to stage.

The two-hour late-night tours will take place in March, July and August.

For dates and to book your place call The Grand Theatre's box office on 01253 290190 or book online at blackpoolgrand.co.uk.

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