1. First of all, do you believe in ghosts?

Surprisingly, that is not the easiest of questions to answer. I don't believe in your 'classic' ghost images, such as those shown on films and other media such as Ghostbusters and Casper - I've seen no evidence that such things exist.

Tony Liddell

However, the data that we've collected does indicate an 'unknown' presence manipulating the atmosphere in some places, such as unnatural temperature drops, objects being moved and strange lights and mists caught on camera and video.

We've also got noises on investigations in direct response to us asking for them, indicating something 'interactive'. So I'd say there's definitely something there, but what that 'something' actually is is still down to personal interpretation and belief: when it comes down to it, it all depends on what you think a 'ghost' actually is.

2. Do the views and beliefs on ghosts differ amongst various members of the team?

They do indeed. The majority of the team are what I class as 'sceptical believers', who 'sit on the fence' when it comes to alleged paranormal activity.

Basically, we operate along the premise that everything can be explained naturally, but we keep an open mind over the causes if it can't be explained.

At both ends of the scale we also have pure believers and pure sceptics. It keeps the team balanced and down-to-earth to have a mixture of strengths and types of belief, especially in stressful circumstances.

3. How did you become interested, and involved, in ghost exploration?

I've had a long abiding interest in the paranormal since my teens, when odd things would occur in my parents' house in Whickham, Gateshead.

Quite suddenly, something hit me hard in the ribs, leaving a seven inch long bruise across two ribs, almost as if I'd been hit with a stick.

But I got really interested during my university years in Bournemouth (studying Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Archaeology) when it became obvious the place I lived in had something peculiar about it: locked doors opening and closing themselves, strange noises in the night, TVs and hi-fis being switched on and played when no-one was in the rooms, among other more disconcerting things.

I got the chance to do my first paranormal investigation at Chillingham Castle as a guest of UK Ghost Investigators back in May 2003. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and decided to set up a group devoted to studying the North East: we did our first investigation in August 2003.

4. What is the scariest thing that has happened to you while exploring ghosts?

Having worked as a field archaeologist for eight years after finishing at University, I'm not easily spooked by old buildings, the dark or even the usual creaking, groaning sounds of buildings and the outdoors.

I'm used to working in cold, dark and sometimes 'oppressive' places, so usually, I don't get scared while on investigations, but there has been a couple of noteable exceptions.

Whilst on one investigation in County Durham, myself and another investigator were performing tests in a room, when we started hearing loud crashing sounds which we couldn't identify, and the electromagnetic reader clipped to my belt started to emit a very low reading.

Quite suddenly, something hit me hard in the ribs, leaving a seven inch long bruise across two ribs, almost as if I'd been hit with a stick. Needless to say, that scared me somewhat!

The other incident was at a location near Gateshead when two of the team were 'hit' by something, one being knocked to the ground and the other slammed against a wall, almost breaking her wrist!

I think I was more afraid for them in that moment than I had been for myself at the previous location: as team leader I feel very responsible for the welfare of my team!

Mist at Ravensworth Castle. There was also the sound of footsteps accompanying it.

5. What kind of response have you had since writing the book?

It's all been very positive. I think writing the book from a local history/scientific observation point of view is something a lot different from what people expect from ghost stories.

At the time of writing this, more than 900 copies have sold in the north-east - not bad for the first seven weeks in print!

The book has also boosted the already excellent reputation of the team: it's evidence that we take the subject seriously and can approach such matters with level heads, without imposing our own viewpoints on other people.

6. What ghostly sightings or stories around Wearside have captured your imagination the most?

When it comes to Wearside, the old legend of the Cauld Lad of Hylton still comes tops in my view, especially as we haven't been able to investigate Hylton Castle itself yet.

I like the mix of traditional ghost story with old 'brownie' folklore - as if two tales have been combined in recent years into one.

Is this a face?

On the one hand you have the 'brownie', said to be a mischievous creature who tidied what was messy, and messed what was tidy - until one day he was given a new hood and cloak and he was seen no more.

And on the other hand, you seem to have the tales of a ghost in the Castle, thought to be the murdered spirit of a stablehand.

Both tales have got mixed together over the years, and I think its a classic example of how stories around a place grow and develop.

7. What do your friends & family think of your ghostly explorations? Do they worry about you? Do they take it seriously?

A mixture of all the above really! For the most part, my family take it seriously, and there have been some instances where they've been worried: so it's easier not to tell them everything that has occurred!

I do have some friends that don't take it seriously, but when I invite them along on an investigation, they make a hasty retreat!

Years ago, a friend once told me: "I don't believe in ghosts... but I'm scared of them!" An interesting response, don't you think? But it says it all really.

8. Do you ever have nightmares after you've been on a spooky ghost exploration?

No - to be honest I rarely recall any dreams at all when sleeping after an investigation. I think I'm simply too exhausted! I'm not as young as I used to be, and staying up all night has its effects - rather than fall asleep afterwards, I think its more a state of unconsciousness!

I do know that at least a few of the team do apparently have nightmares though, as they've mentioned them before.

Perhaps it's their subconscious way of dealing with any strange events they've witnessed - or perhaps it's just an after-effect of the black coffee, chocolate and Red Bull consumed over the night!

Can you see a face in the mist?

9. Do you watch horror films? What are your favourites?

I do indeed watch horror films. I'm not into the 'Gore' films that class as horrors these days - I prefer a good storyline and 'psychological' horror where the viewer's own imagination plays the biggest part in the frights and tension.

'Alien' is a good example, where you hardly really see the creature till the end, and the film relies on the viewers' own sense of claustrophobia and fear.

However, I'm also a great fan of the old Hammer Horror films with Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing. Even the bad ones have a 'must watch' feel to them!

10. What next for Tony Liddell? Where do you go from here?

Really, very little has changed. The team will continue to investigate the paranormal as long as there are places who want us to investigate!

I think many venues find our scientific stance and data collection methods refreshing when they're used to other groups relying on mediums and psychics.

Already for 2005, we have over half a dozen venues booked, as well as possibly a couple of private houses. We're also discussing the idea of historical projects, where we investigate locations linked by a historical figure or event in an attempt to help enrich the history associated with that individual or event.

I'm also hoping that we can do more joint team investigations with two teams we've worked with in the past: Dean Maynard's 'Team Maynard' and Paul Roberts' group TAPS (The Answers People Seek) - both are good groups and due to their slightly different methods and practices I think we work well together.

After all, this is all about trying to find strong evidence that the paranormal exists: working with other serious teams who share the same goal and sharing information (unless it's private of course!) has got to be a step in the right direction.