Ghostly tales raise spirits at abbey

The well-attended annual open day at the ancestral home of poet Lord Byron was aimed at people and families who do not get the chance to visit the abbey regularly.

Visitors took the chance to hear stories of years gone by at the abbey, use their imagination to create their own tales, meet the entertaining story-teller, the Yarnsmith of Norwich, and tour rooms of the famous abbey.

They could also spend time in the library with Sheelagh Gallagher, who is a creative writer from Nottingham University. Sheelagh held a creative reading and writing workshop for the youngsters.

Children also made comic flick books and bookmarks as souvenirs of their visit.

A spokeswoman for the abbey said: "It was a popular day and the weather was kind as well.

"People love to come out to the abbey, especially if they have not had much chance to do so before."