ONE of the North-East’s leading personalities has carried out an investigation into ghostly goings on at an iconic Freemasons building.

Night Owls presenter Alan Robson MBE conducted the night-time vigil at the Maple Terrace Masonic Hall - the oldest, purpose-built masonic meeting place in the province of Northumberland still in regular use.

Built across four floors and dating back to 1870, the hall contains period furniture and a large stained-glass window containing Masonic symbolism.

“This is a fantastic, old building which has had many thousands of people walking up and down its stairs over the last 150 years or so,” said Alan.”

“The investigation isn’t just about those people however as we also must look at what was on the land here before the hall was built.

“Newcastle has a rich tapestry of history and this area was not only the scene of battles between the Scots and the English, but it was also heavily affected and decimated by German incendiary bombs during World War Two. Indeed, on this street very few buildings survived leaving just the church and this hall.”

Alan and his team presented a live ghost hunt on Facebook which was viewed by fans all over the world with viewers amazed to see a large candle stick appear in a corridor when no one was anywhere near, swinging chandeliers and strange footsteps, as well as unexplained sounds which were heard in various parts of the building.

Alan added: “My team and I are very grateful to Northumberland Freemasons for allowing us access to this fantastic and historic building.

“The whole point of investigations like this is the “what if” factor – what if something happens, what if we see something and undoubtedly if we on site don’t see something, our viewers sitting safely at home may do.”

Secretary of Northumberland Freemasons Stuart Cairns said: “Alan was very respectful to our heritage and history and his show gave people the chance to see inside one of our Masonic lodges in an interesting and informative way. However, if anyone wants to know more about what we do and how we help good causes, they don’t need a medium – all they need to do is check out our website www.northumberlandmasons.org.uk”. The show can be viewed on www.facebook.com/NightOwlsUK