Tales of ghosts and ghouls abounded in Wem at the weekend as it celebrated the national Heritage Open Days.

A series of events were put on on Saturday and Sunday uncovering the town's history.

The Castle Hotel on High Street hosted a tour with landlord Richard Lear revealing some of its history.

He said: "When we had a refurb seven years ago all the original woodwork was revealed which was actually the front of the pub. In front of that the road wasn't there, it was a patch of land.

"The front you see today was added on years later.

"But the brilliant part if that now the woodwork is revealed you can see the markings as each piece was built on site and assembled here. To see the markings after all these years is fantastic."

Dr George Nash, who is also a town councillor, got previously got involved to date the timbers and believes the snug area is around 430 years old.

The dining area is slightly more recent dating back 300 years.

Richard continued: "It is the oldest pub in town."

And he said there have been tales of ghosts, with his wife seeing a young boy in the oldest part of the pub, while they have both heard noises elsewhere including chains being dragged.

"It only ever happens early in the morning," explained Richard.

Elsewhere, the Whitchurch Road Cemetery and chapel was open for people for visitors to look around.

Built in 1892, a year after the cemetery was opened, it was designed by London architect George R. Birch.

Committee member and town councillor, Rosemary Dodd, said: "People don't often get to see inside. The chapel is opened for the Sweet Pea Festival and we have an All Souls Day service, but it is nice for people to have the chance to see inside."

Other events included a chance to explore the ghostly history of Talbot Hotel and Shrewsbury and Wem Brewery which took place at the library, a look at industry and shops in Wem at the church hall, and a chance to uncover the history of the Methodist Church.