SINCE I was a small boy I have been fascinated by the world of the supernatural, writes Chris Richards. So, when I was invited to spend an evening with WGC-based paranormal investigation group Vexed, I jumped at the chance. Formed in August 2008, the grou

SINCE I was a small boy I have been fascinated by the world of the supernatural, writes Chris Richards.

So, when I was invited to spend an evening with WGC-based paranormal investigation group Vexed, I jumped at the chance.

Formed in August 2008, the group consists of Sally Metcalfe, her sons Scott, Perry and Edward, and their friends Liz Clayton and Ashley Ellis.

Vexed has subsequently investigated a number of 'haunted' locations, including The Steamer pub in Welwyn and Someries Castle, near Luton.

And last Tuesday, myself and colleague Ross Logan joined the group for its latest investigation, at The Sun Inn, in Lemsford.

The pub dates back to 1717, and landlord Ian Hartley, better known as 'Spanky', told me: "I don't believe in ghosts but there have been some spooky occurrences here.

"Things are what you would expect with a 300-year-old building I suppose."

The evening begins with a 'medium walk-through', which is filmed by cameramen Edward, 14, and Ashley, 19.

This involves spiritualist medium Sally walking through the building to see what she can pick up.

Liz assures me that Sally knows nothing about the history of the tavern, or any details of the mysterious goings-on that have been reported.

During the course of her walk-through, Sally detected "poltergeist activity" in a number of rooms, including the dining room and cellar.

She also declared to have connected with a number of spirits, including that of a man called George and a 17-year-old boy named William.

But perhaps most incredibly of all, she claimed to have felt the presence of Elizabeth I, riding along Lemsford Village in a spectral carriage.

A sceptical Ross asked: "So you have channelled the spirit of Queen Elizabeth I?"

"Yes," she replied, without a hint of laughter.

Sally, 46, of Heronswood Place, WGC, attributes her psychic ability to her Native American heritage.

"My great-grandmother Louisa was pure Cherokee Indian," she said.

"I like to think I am at one with nature."

Following the walk-through, more filming takes place and a vortex - a gateway between the spirit and corporeal worlds - is identified in the pub's courtyard.

A s�ance was later held in the bar, where Sally claimed to have connected to the spirit of Spanky's late mother Irene.

The group then presented a certificate to landlady Laura Kearney, before packing up their equipment and heading home.

I left the pub long after the witching hour with distinctly mixed feelings - I want to believe in the paranormal, but sadly I did not see a single spirit, ghost, apparition, wraith, ghoul or necromancer the entire evening.

I guess my hunt for proof must continue but I remain convinced that 'the truth is out there,' and one day I will find it - unless Vexed beat me to it, of course!

If you have anything you would like the group to investigate, call Sally on 07958 950760 or email sallymetcalfe@ntlworld.com