COUNCILLOR Adam Carew (Whitehill and Bordon) is launching his book of historic hauntings just in time for Hallowe’en.

The book – Ghosts of East Hampshire – will be followed by a website launch and a much larger edition in his Historic Hauntings series, Ghosts of Hampshire (Volume 1), will be released at Christmas.

“This is something I have been doing with any free time I get at weekends so it has taken some time to research,” Mr Carew (pictured) explained.

“The larger Ghosts of Hampshire book has taken three years in the making and involved exploring right across the county, which has been fascinating.

“I never knew there were so many haunted places in Hampshire and although I expect this to be the most comprehensive tome yet, I am certain there are plenty more ghost stories out there for a second volume.

“Given the sheer number of entries we decided not to rush publication, so decided to produce an East Hampshire version first in time for Hallowe’en.

“The Ghosts of East Hampshire is, I believe, a first. It’s quite a small geographical area, but with our rolling downs, historic buildings and winding sunken lanes I believe we are a very special place and I hope this book will help foster a strong sense of place and cultural identity.”

The book is being launched tomorrow (Sunday) at one of the sites of a haunting story, The Royal Oak in Hollywater, where Mr Carew will also give a talk. Entry is free and the event starts at 4pm.

“The good thing about this book is that I am certain it will generate more cases for inclusion next time around,” Mr Carew added.

The book costs £11.99, with £10 signed copies available at the launch.