From Clitheroe ghost tour guide to storytelling star on BBC Radio Lancashire

Simon Entwistle, who runs Top Hat Tours, was gutted when he lost all his work due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

But he has bounced back and taken his passion for mystical Lancashire tales in a new direction as he now features as a live storyteller via Skype on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays on the Brett Davison afternoon show.

He caught the attention of the radio station after beginning to tell stories live on Facebook, an idea given to him by Clitheroe Advertiser reporter Faiza Afzaal.

Simon (64) said: “I did that and was inundated with Facebook friend requests from all over the world. I’ve had around 11,000. It feels fantastic.”

Commenting on his new role, he added: “I love the challenge of it being live on Skype.

“It’s a great honour and I’m really grateful to BBC Radio Lancashire.”

He has even been invited to guest star on a Tasmanian radio programme and has fans offering praise from as far as Australia and Mexico.

Simon launched his tour company in 1996 after a weekend in York with his wife where he was inspired by a ghost walk.

Since then, Top Hat Tours has enjoyed roaring success, being named a Tourism Superstar in the Lancashire Tourism Awards 2018.

“I love meeting people and selling the area. Lancashire has so much to offer and I like the authors we have here.

“I don’t have many skills but it’s nice to have something in life I enjoy and that people get a lot of satisfaction from.”

His audio book will be released in October on Amazon.

To check out Simon’s bewitching stories about Lancashire legends, search for him on Facebook.

Alternatively, listen to his Youtube series, Tales from the Grave, which explores murders, crimes and ghostly occurrences. The collection was filmed at Mitton Hall, Whalley Abbey, Towneley Hall and Samlesbury Hall before they were closed due to the pandemic.

To find out more about his coach tours, head to http://www.tophattours.co.uk/