SPOOKY tales from Kidderminster are among a new collection of ghost stories hitting the shelves in time for Hallowe'en.

Ghosts, Murders and Scandals of Worcestershire is the latest offering from writer Anne Bradford.

She has been collecting ghost stories for 10 years and has gathered more than 1,000 during that time.

Her work includes Haunted, Haunted Worcestershire, Quiet Spirits, Haunted Pubs and Hotels and Haunted Holidays. Mrs Bradford is also the co-author of several books including Midland Ghosts and Hauntings.

The new collection contains more than 100 stories from across the county covering a variety of paranormal experiences, which the author has collected during the past three years and includes illustrations by Worcester gothic artist, Glenn James.

Mrs Bradford, who lives in Redditch, gives lectures to local groups and societies including WIs and asks her audiences to share their own stories.

Tales in her new book include one told by a nurse, who worked at the Mill Street hospital.

It was believed that a former surgeon haunted the building and one night she saw the curtains round the beds drawn aside, one by one, but there was no-one there.

Another woman told the author about a caretaker who worked at a house called The Elms which was in Habberley Road and became scared when doors she had closed behind her while cleaning were open again when she looked back.

Mrs Bradford said she enjoyed producing the book, adding: "One of the nice things is that it is so varied. You meet lots of interesting people. I like turning all the information I get into stories. I always collect ghost stories and when I have got another 100 I'll do the next book."

The former English teacher said there was plenty of material in Worcestershire, adding: "I have been told it is the most haunted county in England. Kidderminster has got some great ghost stories. I think I have got the most ghost stories from Kidderminster."

On Hallowe'en, Mrs Bradford will be sharing the stories with listeners of BBC Radio WM.

The book, priced £7.50, is available from today at local bookshops and from Hunt End Books at 66 Enfield Road, Hunt End, Redditch.