The overnight event on July 26, between 7pm and 2am, features a special 'haunted history' tour of the building detailing real-life experiences from the museum's history.

Spooky sightings at the museum include a ghost of a woman known as the 'grey lady' in 19th century clothing seen waving to staff on the second floor, and the ghost of a man in a white coat seen by visitors around the recreation of the museum's Victorian Street.

Workhouse

The museum, which sits next to St James's Hospital and opposite Beckett Street Cemetery, is on the site of the former Leeds Union Workhouse founded in 1858 and which was once hit by a typhus epidemic that killed many people. It later became a geriatric unit.

The ghost hunt is being organised by paranormal events specialist Fright Nights.

Martin Jeffrey, director of Fright Nights, said: "We are very excited about our first ever paranormal investigation in Leeds and couldn't wish for a better venue than the historic Thackray Museum."

The museum, which was converted from hospital accommodation in 1997, includes a real life Victorian Street complete with sounds and smells, and operating theatre.

Alan Humphries, a librarian, said of the paranormal activity around the museum: "I've been working here for nearly 20 years and it can be rather spooky late at night – it certainly has an atmosphere."

If you are interested in joining in the ghost hunt you can book online at www.frightnights.co.uk or ring 0114 2513232. Please do not contact the museum direct.