Manchester's JNF Butterfly committee resorted to scare tactics to swell the charity's coffers.

An all-night ghost watch was held in 14th century Salford manor house Ordsall Hall.

With only torches for light, participants toured the premises with two mediums, who attempted to rouse the spirits of the venue's former residents. The night's events were relayed on infrared webcams.

Whitefield beauty therapist Sharon Myerson said she was suitably petrified. "The medium said I had a spirit linking to my arm and we heard knocking at a window."

Event organiser Kelly Bentley said the idea had been to offer something a little different and there had already been requests for a similar evening. "There's a place in York which is much more terrifying," she warned.

The £3,000 raised will benefit an Israeli rehabilitation village for the disabled.